ful. I'm pretty sure that the torn meniscus in my right knee results from a spontaneous burst of river dancing on St. Patrick's Day. When I hear Irish music, it transports me immediately back to Savannah's River Street, day-long parades, and gallons of green beer. It also makes me think I have Lord of the Dance skills. Sadly, it does not remind me that I never did. Fossils dating back 530,000 years indicate that our ancient ancestors' bodies contained all the pertinent parts to give them the physical ability to sing. Musical instruments date back even further. Darwin even wondered if our language abilities began with singing. He theorized that might be the reason for our continuing connection with music. I've certainly seen instances where people act like Neanderthals when they hear music, so who knows? Whatever the reason we store music right alongside memories, and whatever allows it to offer a ticket to a happy place, it is sure worth the price of admission. My momentary time travel back to my youth made me happy for days afterward. Imagine what that kind of experience might offer someone whose memories are alive again, even if it is just for those few moments. What a gift that would be. I'll never be seventeen again, but I'm grateful for the notes that take me back, and for a moment, let me think that I am. I'm happy to know that somewhere deep inside us, memories waiting for the music to release them and that as the song says, "Even if the whole world has forgotten, the song remembers when." For a fascinating glimpse of the magic of music, go to the Music and Memory Foundation website, musicandmemory.org, and see what happens to one nursing home resident, Henry, as he listens to his music. AM Summer 2022 AZALEAMAG.COM
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