"Where are you from?" the activities director asked as the elevator neared the second floor.
"I'm from Washington," I said, and explained that I planned to travel the country singing for senior living centers and VA Hospitals. 
"Oh, I'm from Washington, too!" exclaimed Shawna, "from Bothell."
"Ha, I lived in Bothell for several years and attended Inglemoor High School."  I said.
"Hey, I graduated from Inglemoor.  What year?"

...and so the synchronisities began. Here in the lovely town of Seaside Oregon I decided it was time to "get the show on the road" as they say and scout the place for senior centers.  I found three.  Necanicum Village was the first I visited.  It was on Saturday and the director's day off.  I left a message and headed out to find the other two centers.  I had no luck, so figured the first must be the one.  On Sunday morning I received a voice mail that they'd love to have me come sing on Monday.  This was incredibly encouraging, as I wondered how this was all going to play out with such short notice ....  "just passing through town." 

Greeted by the warm fireplace upon my arrival at 5:30pm, I headed upstairs to the expectant faces of about 35 residents.  I set things up, did a quick sound check and then went out to meet folks.  One lovely man with Parkinson's, Bill, had been a baritone in the Portland Opera.  Another shared an affinity for Patsy Cline (thank goodness I had two of her songs on my set list). A few with more serious ailments who did very little talking wanted to touch my hair.  It was good to have 15 mintues to interact and get to know the audience.

This was one of the most participatory crowds I'd ever sung for.  I could actually HEAR their voices ringing out with mine on Patsy Cline's CRAZY and to the old favorite BILL BAILY.  I watched eyes close and a wistful look breathe itself across the room as I sang songs from the 30''s - later to be informed that the songs brought faces and places to mind, "ah, so many memories."   When I finished singing I was swarmed by folks asking if I had CDs for sale, if I'd be returning - and my favorite "are you related to Loretta Lynn?"  Hugs, warm handshakes, smiles and then up comes Bill..."you have an amazing voice and it is apparent that you're in-tune with the song." This meant so much to me, coming from a trained musician - could've been my worst critic.  I was touched by so many and knew I was on the right track. Really no words were necessary; the warmth in their hearts and the light in their eyes spoke reams.

Shawna rode down the elevator with me.  "How did you get started with this?" she asked.
"About three years ago, I was sitting with my grandmother in the cafeteria of the nursing home where she lives.  I was commenting that they should have more music (I'd recently gotten my Expressive Arts Educator certificate and knew of the benefits of music - especially singing.)  The cook came out from behind the buffet line and said, 'You ought to do something about that."   What could I do?  I was scared to get up in front of people and was a closet singer.  'All I have is a karaoke machine that I have fun with.'  I replied.  'That'll do,' he retorted.  And because I love my grandmother and KNOW of the benefits of music, I pushed myself to make it happen."

Shawna laughed, "Yes, I was inspired by the love I have for my grandmother as well.  That's how I got into this line of work.  My 92 year old grandmother was having a tough time, and I realized how important it was to keep her active, interested, and laughing. So, I, too, decided to do something about it, and went to Western to get my degree."

"My son is going there right now," I replied. Another few coincidences. 

We hugged like we'd known each other forever.  "Please feel free to return anytime, and do be safe on your journey."

I drove away with a heart overflowing with gratitude for the ease with which this all came about...my trial run.  No more worrying that I was not being realistic; this first attempt went better than I could ever have hoped. Therefore, I am encouraged and inspired to continue on.   ...and yes, David, I sang them with feeling!