Except for the occasional “yes”, “nope” or “whoa!”, Mr. Rigsbee has not been able to speak for several years. But miraculously, in recent weeks, his vocabulary suddenly revived in a surprising way. During a recent worship service, one of our awesome Quality of Life team members, Maddie Palma, had a most unusual experience with him. She got close to him, took his hands and smiled while she sang a treasured hymn; “Jesus, Something About That Name”!
As Palma sang, Rigsbee began to smile ear to ear and sing the words right along with her. None of us had ever heard him speak a sentence during his time with us, let alone sing a whole song! We were shocked, to say the least.
With Rigsbee and his family’s permission, I am sharing this little clip of he and Palma singing. I hope it will inspire others to make real changes in the lives of those who struggle with difficulties.
We at the Bridge are convinced that music is a powerful tool for enhancing our lives and can’t wait to see the ways in which we can use it to bless our elders as we share it with them.
Please also take a minute to check out the second video below to learn more about music’s powerful connection with speech.
The Third video is the trailer for the award-winning movie Alive Inside, which takes a look at the cognitive benefits that cherished music can have on those suffering from Alzheimer’s, Dementia and related conditions.
Blessings,
Michael C. Bushey, B.Theol., M.Div., CNA Director of Spirituality
The Bridge at Highland
215 Highland Cir Drive
Portland, TN 37148
chaplain.highland@signaturehealthcarellc.com
Ph 615-325-9263
Cell 615-946-5306
“On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped; you shall speak and no longer be mute. Thus you will be a sign to them, and they shall know that I <i>am </i>the Lord.’” Ezekiel 24:27 NKJV