Why am I starting this post by telling you about Dave Myers the Hairy biker who died this week? It’s because I loved the programme Hairy Bikers, and I heard the news on Thursday while I was travelling to visit a Choir Member and volunteer who found herself in hospital. Why do I love the programme so much? It’s because of the relationship between Dave and Si King. They clearly loved each other, and the chat between them was wonderful to listen to. They were so relaxed with one another that they had the capacity to be relaxed with those other people they met on their programme, it was beautiful to see (the foods not bad either!)
On Monday I had to visit one of our members as I will be conducting his wife’s funeral. It is always difficult when we lose one of our members, however it will be a privilege to stand with the family in their time of need. The Forget Me Notes have been asked to help and support the singing at the funeral.
We have so many highlights this week while delivering sessions. At Lauder Lodge on my way to the lounge, I got to walk with one of the residents. I was able to listen to his quiet gentle voice and then watch and listen as he sang with us. We also got to listen to an impromptu duet from the ladies who sit on the settee there, which was just great.
Arriving at Open Door a bit early I had a chat with the participants. We chatted about what they had eaten for lunch and the usual subjects. I was so surprised when one of the folks who we have worked with for at least three years told me that she used to have a group in her house called the Choir for non-singers. She would invite people from the village where she lived for refreshments and a sing together. How good is that!
On Friday we shared in a Together in Song at the Festival Theatre. We were doing a Welsh and Irish theme given that in March we celebrate St David’s and St Patricks days, however, two songs were chosen by people from our last concert. They were Crazy by Patsy Kline and Secret Love by Doris Day. The lady who had chosen Secret Love I knew was comfortable singing by herself. Her grandfather had performed at the Hippodrome and other family members had also been performers. I asked her to come forward and sing Secret Love for us. One of the other attendees who has dementia thought that I was speaking to her and came forward too. What happened next was beautiful and brought a tear to my eye. The two of them sang together Secret Love and thanks to the inclusive nature of Forget Me Notes and Together in Song we were treated to such a precious moment.
Back to my friends the Hairy Bikers. It is often in the relationships we share that turn quite ordinary moments into something precious. To see people sing together and share memories of friendships and support is thrilling. The trust and respect that people find at Forget Me Notes means they can share together in a relaxed way. It is in moments like these that make life into a treasure beyond what we could imagine.
Have a good week. Find someone to love and support and turn your week into a treasure.