Jean Madden tells stories from her secondary career as a music-thanatologist, in which she plays the harp at the bedside of those who are sick and dying. The music she plays, which is based on sacred texts, can ease suffering and bring beauty and meaning to those in great pain.
Although not all patients welcome Jean and her five-foot-tall harp, she shares one story of an experience in which she found hope as one who is accustomed to giving peace and hope, not necessarily receiving it herself.
In this instance, she played the harp for a patriarchal figure who was preparing to transition to hospice care at home. The music seemed to bring some relief to the family members, but the moment especially moved Jean, who felt the Spirit at work.
Hear Jean’s experience of a sacred moment in which she felt that she was bringing light into the lives of those who were experiencing darkness.