“Sandy’s Story”

Dear Ms. Noll:

You’ve no doubt received countless “thanks” for your beautiful and inspirational “Songs for the Inner Child.” But, if you have room for one more…

My angel Carol (my wife) purchased the CD awhile ago, after hearing one of its songs during a women’s retreat. Carol spent a long time selecting CDs we’d had at home, looking for the right music to play while her sister lay dying for more than a week in her room at a local assisted living facility (at age 53, a victim of early-onset dementia).

While hospice provided for Sandy’s physical comfort throughout (as best they could), Carol and her Mom were agonized by the progression, being told each day that “she doesn’t have much longer” — but it seemed Sandy was waiting, for something…

This past Sunday (Jan. 10, 2010), after a hospice nurse once again told local family members gathered in her room that “It won’t be much longer,” we all gathered around her bedside and were led in prayer by my wife’s brother (an ordained minister), and each person added to it.

All the while “How Could Anyone” was playing…We then stepped away from Sandy’s bedside for hugs, etc., when the attending nurse alerted us:

Sandy had stopped breathing. The CD continued to play — into “You Can Relax Now” and beyond. No death can be perfect; no setting can be ideal. But the way this played out… well, thank you for music that seemed to underscore what many family members felt…

Regards,

Mike Czeczot
Daytona Beach, FL