“Pediatric Chaplain: Cynthia Trapanese”

My name is Cynthia Trapanese. I am a Board Certified Chaplain, and the Spiritual Care Coordinator for Hospice Atlanta, the oldest and largest non-profit hospice in Atlanta. We have a home care program, a beautiful 36 bed inpatient facility, and a pediatric program. All of the rooms in our inpatient facility are convertible to pediatric rooms, so we have the option to have our kids/families come to the inpatient center if they wish (fairly unique option in pediatric hospice programs).

I am writing to thank you for your Songs For The Inner Child CD. A friend of mine (a fellow pediatric chaplain) gave me a copy several years ago and it was a significant part of my own healing journey. I played it every morning for many months. Then, one day, evening actually, I had a last minute inspiration to use one of your songs in a group I was leading – and from there your CD’s presence in my work began! I have had five or six copies, always giving them away and then replacing them.

Most recently, I gave a copy to the mom of a patient in our pediatric program. The patient is a four year old boy who has experienced a life, since birth, of testing and treatment. Finally at age two the parents received his diagnosis of a rare mytochondrial disorder. This child has never been able to see, speak or walk. He now seems to be uncomfortable most of his waking hours, but of course our team is working to change that.

He had never had a blessing or baptism ceremony (his father expressed anger at God after his birth and the pastor at the traditional protestant church did not allow for that, and they left their church and church community and did not return). We have danced around the planning of his service for many months, and finally when we set a date and sat together to plan–the parents had been thinking of elements for the service that felt much more like a funeral than a blessing or baptism.

I was working with them to create a service that was a celebration with a ritual of blessing. And, of course, I acknowledge that the parents are so so tired, weary and heartbroken and exhausted. But, your song, “How could anyone ever tell you…” was the key. I played it for them, and it softened their hearts so that they could connect with the love they feel for him. We used that song in the blessing service which we held in their home, and then I left the CD for the mom to keep.

This is just one example. I have also used that same song at pediatric memorial services. Again, thank you so much for your work, your light, your healing energy.

Rev. Cynthia Trapanese
Spiritual Care Coordinator
Hospice Atlanta
1244 Park Vista Drive
Atlanta, GA 30319