Fun story of how music touches us all with love ... using music ministry in outreach ... how it applies to all us, God's children, as that is how much He Loves Us ... Keith shares some examples of this with elders and to all ....
Pic: March 28, 2019, Keith John Paul Horcasitas & Sly Fox Brianne Joseph .
Espirit de Femme Awards by LSU held at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge.
“How about a love song for y'all?” I asked the cheerful and loving caregiver for a elder client, whom I was making a home visit with.
“Sure,” Cher said, as she went to get some coffee for Joseph.“
I had just done some fun folk and patriotic songs like “You Are My Sunshine” (by our former Louisiana Governor, Jimmie Davis!), “I've Been Working On The Railroad,” and “God Bless America,” for my client, and could see how well connected his Caregiver was with him.
Joe had suffered from some neurologic difficulties, including dementia, years before and now required 24 hour care at home.
Cher obviously knew how to work so well with Joe, as she would deftly redirect Joe whenever he may have gotten off-base with anything.
So even though I knew how to play such endearing songs like “Michelle,” by the Beatles and others, I first played some old oldies and standbys, like “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Bicycle Built For Two – both of which Joe sang along with.
As most research into dementia has shown, music is one of the last things we lose with memory problems.
I even had fun last year joining the local Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area by playing guitar in my “Man With da Yella Hat” (Curious George) outfit in a presentation that Dana Terito had given about this very issue – of how music can connect all of us, especially those dealing with memory problems.
So it just so happened that recently, when I happened to see and talk with a neat neighbor, I was inspired to try to figure out the chords for “You Are So Beautiful To Me,” by Joe Cocker, which is really an easy song to play – I even made a YouTube for this friend recently with this tune.
To stay “in tune,” I try to play guitar on my 12 String Fender - that I had gotten a few years ago from Ziegler's - at least 3 times a week. As weather is getting cooler, I love to play in my front yard, after lighting a Citronella Candle and spraying myself with mosquitto repellant.
And even though my Fender has a built-in tuner, I still sometimes use the old fashioned tuning forks to keep my ears well “tuned in.”
It was in front of my house where I have recorded some neat songs on my phone – once, some birds even joined in on my twilight recording for a dear colleague.
Well, since I had just figured out how easy the song “You Are So Beautiful To Me” was, this is what I sang to Cher.
Cher said brightly, “That is what my husband sang to me when we got married!” - as she almost got tearful!
Joe and another family member also sang along as me and Cher joyfully belted out the Joe Cocker tune!
Sure, while dat Joe Cocker song certainly has romantic overtones, it applies to all us, God's children, as that is how much He Loves Us – which is clearly denoted in Solomon's “Song of Songs” or the “Canticle of Canticles!”
As I was leaving the home visit, I teasingly noted to Cher, “Be sure to tell you hubby that he may have some competiton!!!” - at which both Cher and Joe squealed!!!
Of course, I've sung this to my wife, Maria, and many folks whom have enjoyed it!
I hope to sing it soon to some 100 Great Nurses I know being honored.
Also, I got to sing this lovely song on March 28, 2019 to Sly Fox Brianne Joseph at the Renaissance Hotel where she and others were recipients of the Espirit de Femme Awards by LSU – pic attached.
As noted by their link: Established in 2009, the Esprit de Femme award is an annual acknowledgement of a person who has made exceptional efforts toward the advancement of women in Louisiana. This award honors individuals who elevate the status of women in the community through their contributions to the arts, education, healthcare, business and industry, charity and civic engagement.
Sly Fox Brianne Joseph is an award-winning entrepreneur, private investigator, best-selling author, keynote speaker and breast cancer survivor. She is the owner and head investigator at Sly Fox Investigations – an all-female, six-figure detective agency. She has been a Licensed Private Investigator in the state of Louisiana for 13 years.
Keith John Paul Horcasitas, LCSW, MHA, 1133 Knollhaven Drive, BRLA 70810, 225-715-3870, khorcasitas.yahoo.com, October 22, 2019.
One of my favorite songs, along with Imagine and Hey Jude by the Beatles. I remember the first time I sang You Are so Beautiful to my partner (caregiver) and she fell in love with it right away. We sing it together every once in a while like this morning when I told her about your story/article.
My mother, almost 95, is gradually becoming forgetful and angry. I wish she could hear music again but is nearly deaf and unable to control her life anymore in assisted living. I think she might be better at home with a caregiver like Cher but my sister is in control of the situation.
You made me recall the trips I've made to a friend's assisted living home Christmas parties the last few years. She always has a great karaoke artist doing Christmas carols and I get to sing along for some of them. Last time I sang, I do a fair Neil Diamond, Sweet Caroline, and was asked for an encore. You are right. Those lethargic elderly really perk up when hearing their old familiar songs. Many sing along.
Pic: March 28, 2019, Keith John Paul Horcasitas & Sly Fox Brianne Joseph .
