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| Wednesday, December 28, 2005 |
| Caroling at Abbott Northwestern |
Instead of a weekly gathering, Solomon's Porch spent the evening of Christmas at Abbott Northwestern Hospital caroling for patients, mainly in the maternity and cancer wards. It was a bit disorganized at first. Just showing up at the hospital and hoping not to get told to go away. The 4th floor patients were mostly unconscious though we found a few to serenade. In the maternity ward, there was one young woman and a large group of her family which opened the door to the room to listen. They gave a round of applause when we were done singing.
Most striking to me was one young woman in the cancer ward. Likely no more than 30, she was a petite thing, and her appearance made more waif-like due to the enormity of her hospital gown. Supporting herself in the doorway of her room, she quietly requested "O Holy Night". We sang (most people nose buried in a songbook). The patient sang along, each word known by heart. The chorus seemed to bring a little light to her sunken, darkened eyes and maybe a little color to paleness of her face. That "thrill of hope" seemed to be inside her somewhere. And when we had finished, a smile crossed her face, and with a clap of hands and a little hop, she said thank you and returned to her bed. Cancer, which is depleting her body is not weakening her soul. And I was inspired. |
posted by Jen @ 8:52 PM   |
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