At the end of a long-term illness comes a time for reflection and for relating to each other in different ways. Music and spirituality provide bridges for connection and communication that are transcendent. Hospice care is enriched with the use of rituals and music that are familiar to families.
Mary’s experience:
My mom enjoyed attending mass on Sundays at the nursing facility where she lived her last year of life. Despite living with a crippling degenerative brain illness, she participated in the sung liturgy until she could no longer easily speak due to the heavy medicines that were given to her. I played music as a “coming home to self” when I was towards the end of my mom’s terminal illness. The playing of music was therapeutic for my personal wellness at the time. I also played and sang for my mom as she was in the process of dying. I often left music (of her preference) playing in her room to soothe and comfort her.
Marymac mission:
Ruah Musica shares music meditations, posters, and general topics related to end-of-life care and caregiving that relate universally and specifically to different faith traditions. The Hebrew word “Ruah” means “Spirit” or “Wind.”
A common experience:
At the end of a long-term illness comes a time for reflection and for relating to each other in different ways. Music and spirituality provide bridges for connection and communication that are transcendent. Hospice care is enriched with the use of rituals and music that are familiar to families.
Mary’s experience:
My mom enjoyed attending mass on Sundays at the nursing facility where she lived her last year of life. Despite living with a crippling degenerative brain illness, she participated in the sung liturgy until she could no longer easily speak due to the heavy medicines that were given to her. I played music as a “coming home to self” when I was towards the end of my mom’s terminal illness. The playing of music was therapeutic for my personal wellness at the time. I also played and sang for my mom as she was in the process of dying. I often left music (of her preference) playing in her room to soothe and comfort her.
Marymac mission:
Ruah Musica shares music meditations, posters, and general topics related to end-of-life care and caregiving that relate universally and specifically to different faith traditions. The Hebrew word “Ruah” means “Spirit” or “Wind.”
Visit: ruahmusica.com >