(cont'd from home page) ....Over time, my ukulele skills improved as I learned more and more chords.  With the help of my residents, we created playlists of songs that were popular hits with everyone.  Some of the songs I knew, and some of the songs I did not because they were “before my time,” so my residents would lead the songs themselves and teach them to me.  Bridging a generational gap through this type of two-way collaboration was amazing for us all as we learned ABOUT each other FROM each other.  It built a connection between me and my residents, and they felt like contributors in a very fulfilling endeavor.

 

During this time, I also completed my Certification as an Activities Director through NCCAP.  While this was a rewarding advancement, my heart was always most fulfilled when I would grab my ukulele and spend time with the residents who were isolated and alone in their rooms. These visitations were especially beneficial during COVID isolation mandates when many residents had to stay in their rooms for several weeks at a time. Music helped me and the staff get through the day just as much as the residents.  We sang till our throats were sore and my fingers were numb (sometimes blistered) but the joy it brought made it worthwhile.  Many times, family members were gathered outside the windows singing along with us!

In May of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer.  I was unemployed, single, and uncertain of any future plans, and all I had to give me joy was God, family, friends, my dog Harmony, and my beloved music.  Once my treatment path was determined, I began to pick up a few shifts at St. Mary of the Woods in Avon, Ohio, where I played piano for residents in the chapel when they were permitted to gather.  When I began playing and singing for others, the healing power of music was re-kindled once again in my heart. When I played, I felt alive again, and I was able to see others come alive WITH me!  I said to myself, THIS IS BLISS!  

 

Soon after, I began taking my Cavapoo puppy, Harmony, to work with me in hopes that she too might bring smiles to the residents’ faces.  Harmony immediately rose to the challenge as my little side kick, as she brought comfort and laughter wherever she went!  I provided the ukulele music, and while residents listened, and sang along, Harmony provided them with kisses and snuggles. Pretty soon, colleagues I knew in other senior care communities began asking me to visit their residents, and word began to spread in Northeast Ohio, that "Harmony and Me" were in business!  

 

From the darkness and uncertainty of the COVID pandemic and my ongoing fight with cancer, the music and joy Harmony and I were able to provide created a spark that ignited a flame that continues to light our way forward.  We welcome the opportunity "go to work" for you to create moments that can last a lifetime!
 

If you would like “Harmony and Me” to visit your senior community, please complete the visitation inquiry form. I will follow up with you to work through the details of the visit.  Currently, I pre-schedule engagements around my ongoing cancer treatments to allow myself to regain strength.  This allows “Harmony and Me” to provide the very best musical experience for the folks we visit!