The Healing Power of Music
For the past year I’ve been talking with volunteers across northern Michigan for The Volunteers series at Interlochen Public Radio (IPR). I’ve met people who donate time to local theaters, food pantries and conservation work. But recently, I met a hospice volunteer who brought me to tears. CLICK HERE to listen to Gordon Berg’s volunteer story and the lovely song he played for me.
I knew there was more to share about Gordon’s experience singing to hospice patients, so when Peter Payette, Executive Director at IPR, encouraged me to produce a feature about Gordon’s work at Hospice of Michigan, I eagerly jumped in.
What I didn’t expect as I started developing the feature was a twist in the storyline. Peter suggested I include my own experience with an Angela Hospice music therapist singing to my sister, Janet, just hours before her passing.
It was easy to write it all out, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to voice the piece. Lots of emotions emerged, but my editor, Juliet Hinley, and gal pals Therese House and Nancy Brede helped me work through the vulnerability I was feeling about baring my heart and soul. Today I am pleased to share the story that honors Gordon, my sister, my sister’s village, Angela Hospice, and the unexpected healing Gordon Berg unknowingly gifted me. Take a listen RIGHT HERE! (Click the LISTEN button at the top of the page to hear Gordon’s wise words and beautiful song.)
If you’re experiencing the tumult of loss and grief — and this can happen years after a death, unexpected diagnosis or trauma — please google grief support groups in your area.
My colleague, TJ Harrison, produced a touching piece RIGHT HERE about Michael’s Place, a grief support center in Traverse City. And please do listen to Gordon’s story and the healing stories that I was honored to produce below.
Fresh Coast Creatives:
Embroidering Through Recovery
LESLIE HAMP • Feb 09, 2024
Artist and musician Dana Falconberry was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2022. Throughout her treatment and recovery, she focused on creating visual art to process the fragile dance between life and death. CLICK HERE to listen to her story. Photo Credit: Susan Tusa
TC Skier Finds Healing On The Trail
LESLIE HAMP • Feb 08, 2019
Many of the best cross-country skiers in Michigan will line up in Traverse City for the 43rd annual North American Vasa ski races. Anders Gillis, who won the 34-kilometer classic race last year, will be among them. Anders was not always in shape for a ski marathon. After a personal tragedy, the lifelong athlete fell into depression and put on significant weight. CLICK HERE to listen to how he finds healing on the Vasa trail.
A Journey Through Grief
LESLIE HAMP • September 2023
In this conversation, Lois Albrecht and I talk about:
how she and husband Don ended up in northern Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Superior and the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
her top three tips for navigating the journey through a life-changing diagnosis
the unexpected blessings during treatment and the passing of a loved one
CLICK HERE to listen to Lois’s invaluable insights.
I feel so fortunate to meet such great people and am honored to produce their stories. If you’re in the region and want to chat about your story, dash me an email.
Leslie is such a gifted author of human stories. She touches the hearts of everyone she meets! What wonderful stories Leslie. Thank you.
All have tought provoking words. I enjoyed listening and reading.