It has probably been awhile since you have read a blog post from a non-intern at Therabeat Inc. That is because we have been a little busy around here! Each of us at Therabeat Inc. has been working hard to turn our new clinic space into an environment where each child and parent who walks in will feel welcomed and loved. We are so blessed to have this new space, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, you definitely should! We had our ribbon cutting last Friday and it was such a wonderful day. Friends, family and members of our community came out to celebrate with us. We feel so blessed to work in such an inviting and beautiful place.
With our new clinic has come new opportunities, new experiences and new clientele. Ms. Chelsea Kinsler & I have especially enjoyed working with a group of 15-20 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the Marietta Enrichment Center. These friends join us for a music class in our group room each Monday and Thursday morning. We have been working with this group for about 4 months now, and Ms. Chelsea and I both agree that we have developed a special bond with these precious people, and their caregivers also.
We have had so much fun with this group. They cheer each other on so well, and I am convinced that if we were all encouraging and supportive like these friends, this world would be a much better place. One of the individuals did a special rap for the group one week while the rest cheered and hollered for him as if he had just performed at the Grammy’s. Another voluntarily got up out of his seat to assist another group member with the rhythm sticks while we were playing instruments and said to me, “I just need to help my friend.”
The sweetest moment happened this past week when I introduced a new instrument to the group-the ukulele. One of the precious men in the group said it reminded him of a song that was played at his father’s graveside-it was one of his father’s favorite songs. He told me a little bit about the song but couldn’t remember the name of it. I quickly searched it on the internet & figured it out! He wanted me to play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” the version by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. As soon as I began playing & singing the song, my sweet friend began to cry & tell us how wonderful his father was. At first, I was worried that I had used poor judgment by playing this song & bringing up negative emotions, but then I asked him if he wanted me to stop and he said “No, I love it.” with tears falling down his face. I kept singing along as we gathered around this sweet man & allowed him to cope and find peace in the midst of his grief. I can’t even explain how special this moment was.
This is what music does. It connects us. It allows us to share in the celebrations & hardships in life. It brings us together in good & bad times. I am so thankful for the gift of music. I am also thankful that because of our new facility at 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock GA 30075, we are able to reach beyond just the pediatric population and also bring in adults who are just as much in need.
-Hayley Echols, LPMT, MT-BC