Music Brings Joy, Peace and Connection

Richard Schwartz can’t remember a time when he didn’t love music. From his childhood, during his Army service, and throughout his long and happy marriage to his beloved Darlene, traditional Christian hymns, musical scores and old-time rock-and-roll tunes have blended together to provide a soundtrack for his life.

Now that Richard is a resident of Frederick Health’s Kline Hospice House, his love for music is still
bringing him joy, soothing his soul and connecting him with new friends. At the Kline House, the music comfort volunteers have provided a special dose of care and comfort to his days. He smiles when he talks about the afternoon he heard music coming from the direction of Kline House’s main living area. Encouraged by a staff member, he walked toward the sound. Sitting in front of the fireplace, playing his guitar, was music comfort volunteer Randy Granger. Richard may not have known Randy’s name right away, but the connection between the two men was instant. As soon as he saw Randy’s playlist, Richard began calling out his favorites, and the two enjoyed reminiscing about the songs and singing the tunes together.

“Music is associated with some of the best times in my life,” says Richard. “My wife was a church organist for many years while our son, Matthew, was growing up. Today, when I hear “In the Garden” or “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” I think of those years and all the happiness we knew. The score from “The Sound of Music” was a real favorite of ours, too. We listened to that record all the time.”

Since that afternoon when he first heard Randy playing, Richard says that he has rarely spent a day without music. In addition to his regular Friday sessions with Randy, he also looks forward to sing-alongs with another Hospice music comfort volunteer, Judy, visits from Hospice Music Therapist Melanie Jessop, and dulcimer player, Dave Selby.

Richard tries not to focus on the many things his illness has taken from him. “I can’t eat and drink much by mouth any more, and that’s been hard to get used to,” he says. “But I’m grateful for Kline House because the wonderful people here are helping me to focus on the things I love and can still do.