Personal Stories

Singing for a Dying Friend (Margie)

When I sing with my friend who is dying we talk a little. Then if he is ready to doze, then I hold his foot or knee and begin by humming. Then I sing whatever occurs to me. I keep a list of my favorite songs with me. I like how songs morph themselves into new melodies or lyrics as they seem to sing themselves after many repetitions. I mesmerize myself and in that trance-place I heal myself. Bill doesn’t mind. He is often "puffing" by then and reports that he is able to sleep deeply rather than his usual fitful rest.