Joyous Memories

09 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Eason House, Mom, Music and Art, Smiles, Support system

Not sure I truly appreciated how much I’d treasure these… until now.

Wonderful world, indeed.

22 Sunday Jul 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Eason House, Inspiration, Mom, Music and Art

We have the most incredible people in our lives… ♥ One of the things that makes me sad is that my mom – such a lover of great music – was never able to enjoy The Conspiracy Band with us. Unfortunately, our Conspiracy family didn’t come into our lives until she was already ill. But today, Rodney came to the house and sang one of my mom’s favorite songs to her – Wonderful World.

It was amazing and very bittersweet. I know that the woman who adores music and loves to dance is still there, deep down inside, and that she enjoyed today immensely. But, for anyone who knew my mom, watching this was also heartbreaking… Tears of joy and tears of sadness were shed, and ultimately I’ll truly treasure this memory forever.

Rodney, Sherrie, Erin, and Michael – Please know how grateful we are to have you in our lives. Your hearts are huge beyond measure, and you gave my mom such moments of joy today, while giving us a beautiful memory we’ll always hold close. Rodney… I’m pretty sure you have a new #1 fan. ♥

Music makes the world go ’round…

18 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Helpful Resources, Music and Art, Smiles

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One good thing about music. When it hits you, you feel no pain.
~Bob Marley

Oh, but there are SO many good things about music. Have you ever been having a lousy day when all of the sudden you hear a favorite song, and the music transcends all of the negative feelings that have been plaguing you. Before you know it, you’re smiling – on both the outside and the inside. How about that song that brings back memories so vivid, it’s as if you’re reliving a special moment each time you hear it? If music can effect an ordinary person in such an extraordinary way, imagine what it might do for Alzheimer’s patients…

I’ve heard stories of people that have been completely non-verbal for years, yet when an old favorite song is played for them, they sing along – word for word, without missing a beat. Music’s power is nothing short of magical!

I just ran across this great article about a couple in Arizona helping Alzheimer’s patients through their Love Music Revival. It’s funny, because some of our best times at Outlook Manor were on the nights when they had musical entertainment. One evening in particular stands out – the “feature act” was Elvis, and the residents loved it! To many of those folks, lacking a sense of time, it may as well have been 1956 and they may as well have been in the audience of that oh-so-famous Ed Sullivan Show. The fact that this was an impersonator was lost on them, and what a blessing that was!

This weekend, we have a very special surprise planned for my mom and the other ladies at Eason House, and I absolutely cannot wait. Stay tuned for more – it promises to be memorable. In the meantime, check out the Alzheimer’s Association blog for more wonderful information about music therapy!