Episode 31 - Musical Magic

As I have mentioned before, Grandma sometimes becomes agitated, frustrated or depressed.  This, in addition to her occasional confusion, makes for some fairly stressful moments for all of us.

Now I don't claim to have any medical expertise... I've not studied psychology... and I wouldn't know an endorphin if it bit me. I have however, discovered a fountain of bliss for Grandma, (who by the way, takes no anti-depressants). This past week, we have broadcast during the daytime hours, on our living room television, pretty much non-stop Lawrence Welk and Classic Gospel programming (with a little Guy Lombardo thrown in for good measure).

In the past, we have turned on a musical program for Grandma before we'd leave for somewhere or at night when she went to bed. But now, thanks to the marvels of technology ... we have discovered the "remote access" capability of our satellite dish!

Remote Access allows us to control either of the DVR's in our house via the Internet. If we are at work and Grandma is in the living room at home... one of us can cue up Mr. Welk or Mr. Gaither in mere seconds. We have acquired a nice library of recordings over the past few months and I keep a little log of what episodes she's viewed and the time I start it. If more than 60 minutes go by, my phone may ring at work, signaling that I have shirked my duties. I glance at the clock and the log - and quickly maximize the satellite website. As I answer my telephone... I click on and start another episode.

Me: Hello.
G: Hi, this is.... uh never mind, it's back on!

Amazing! Not only does this mood altering music seem to tranquilize Grandma, it brings out the best in her. We return home in the afternoon to find her gleeful.

G: Oh, the music was just wonderful today. I loved it. So many of the songs I remember playing on my saxophone. My fingers remember the notes!
Me: That's wonderful Mom. We're glad you enjoy it.
G: I do, I do. Those songs just take me back. I remember dancing with your Dad.
Me: I'm sure you do.

At this point Grandma stands and wiggles her arthritis riddled body., stepping to the side with her arms raised.

G: Sammy, I wish you could dance with me.

Grandma says she thinks she'd like to get some of her girl friends together to enjoy this music.....

G: Do you suppose we could get a man to come dance with us?

I stifle a laugh and look at DH, who sits stoically in his chair with his laptop. I shoot him a look that says, "Hey honey, here is your opportunity to show off your moves" He returns one that nips any chance of his being an extra-marital dance partner.

It doesn't matter... Grandma is happy.

Late one afternoon this past week, a storm came up and we once again lost our electricity. It was almost a replay of the outage a few weeks ago. We all sat quietly in the living room, anticipating the return of the power. I'm certain Grandma was especially irritated that her programs weren't on. After thirty minutes or so, Grandma looks at me.

G: Well, you aren't going to even try to fix the electricity.
Me: Mom, I didn't even take Physics. I don't know anything about electricity.
DH: The Electric Company will fix it. We just need to be patient.

I'm thinking we should have bought that generator we saw on clearance a month or so ago.

The lights come back on and so do the musical programs. I'm grateful for both.... as well as remote access via the Internet!

Good night, sleep tight and pleasant dreams to you, Here's a wish and a prayer that every dream comes true.  And now 'til we meet again, Adios, au revoir, auf wiedersehen... Good Night!

So ends Episode 31.