Nurturing Our Soul

A Song of Love

Martha was only 38 years old. She had been battling with cancer for many years. Finally, she was told that it had spread beyond the point of practical medicine. Painkilling measures would be taken but recovery was no longer a possibility. As you can imagine, this news dealt her and her family a staggering blow.

Because she had undergone all her treatment at White Memorial, Martha had established close relationships with many of the staff. So it was not surprising to see many people — physicians, nurses and staff — rally around her through this difficult time.

Martha had two sons who are very involved with the choir at their highschool. They suggested bringing the choir to the hospital to sing for Martha as an expression of their caring and love for her.

Arrangements were made with the school and the kids were transported to White Memorial. With the doctor's approval, the nurses moved as much from the room as possible so eighteen highschool students could squeeze in.

I invited all those that knew Martha to come and participate in this meaningful event. Led by the choir director, the students filed into the room with an entourage of staff spilling out into the hallway. After some brief introductions the choir began to sing.

As Martha listened to these hymns of love and hope, you could practically see them washing over her like a loving caress. No one witnessing that scene had a dry eye. When the choir finished it's mini-concert, the director said, "This is our gift to you!" Through her tears the only words she could muster were "Thank you". I don't think this phrase has ever been spoken with more heartfelt sincerity. It was a brief moment that touched the life of everyone involved.

I noticed that day, as the experience was shared with others, that the level of caring and compassion was raised to another level. It was then that I realized the magnitude of that blessing reached far beyond Martha and was pored out on White Memorial.

By Paul Crampton, Director of Chaplaincy Services