Light Of A Clear Blue Morning

The Gift of a Hospice Musician

This remembrance, triggered as I anticipate interviewing a hospice volunteer who plays guitar for patients, is so very special. It’s hard to believe it’s almost two years since my sweet sister was a patient in her final hours at Angela Hospice.

Between visits from family and so many friends, I walked into the lobby and came across a woman carrying a guitar. I asked if she’d play for my sister, who loved country music. The supervisor also happened to be in the hallway and gently nodded to the music therapist to go into Janet’s room. I wasn’t expecting the peace and comfort of that gift.

The music therapist sat by Janet’s bedside and softly serenaded her with Dolly Parton’s Light Of A Clear Blue Morning. Oh my. The words were so meaningful and soothing…

It’s been a long, dark night and
I’ve been waiting for the morning.
It’s been a long hard fight and
I see a brand new day dawning.
I’ve been looking for the sunshine
Though I ain’t seen it in so long.
Everything's gonna be all right.
It's gonna be okay.

It was the most meaningful gift in that moment for my beloved sister, my siblings and me. And I will be forever grateful for that serendipitous, divinely-guided moment and that sweet musical angel who picked the perfect song.

We played this version at Janet’s celebration of life, and I listen to it when I have the strength to lean back into that sacred moment. 💜💜💜

Hospice workers/volunteers are true angels with a calling. I’m looking forward to interviewing one next week. Of course, I’ll share his story with you after it’s produced.