Music for Life

By Hayley Stayman

Our current patient, Nadine Jackson, has spent a lifetime immersed in the performing arts. Growing up with a father who was both a choir director and an accomplished singer, she naturally followed in his footsteps. An avid singer and guitarist in her younger years, Nadine later became an active member of the Community Players in Salisbury, taking on various roles both on and off stage. Her love for theater and music has been a defining part of her life.

As I’ve gotten to know Nadine, her husband, Jim, and her best friend, Bettie Messick, we've shared countless stories of her time on stage. She often expressed a wish to sing for others again, a sentiment that sparked an idea as we got into spirited music-making together. After a few visits around the same topic, the idea was hatched: Why not bring her music back to life? Together, we selected some of her favorite and most well-known songs to share with family and friends.

Over the next few visits, we practiced, chose our concert attire, and carefully planned the guest list. I created a music program, An Afternoon of Music with Nadine, featuring eight songs for everyone to follow along and sing together. With the help of an adaptive device, Nadine was even able to dust off her guitar and play once more after many years away from it. Music became a bridge for socialization, self-expression, and reminiscing, bringing joy to her and her loved ones as her cognitive decline became more apparent. Despite the challenges, she lit up with each song, singing every word— songs she once performed for crowds many years ago, now unlocking memories that had begun to fade. The music often reminds her of stories otherwise lost due to time and disease.

Nadine performed for a loving audience of nearly 25 people, including her spouse, children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, extended family, and her entire hospice team. Everyone joined in, singing and sharing stories, making the day as special as Nadine herself. They came together to show their support and witness how her love for music has shaped and sustained her through the years.

And, just like any good music hour, the event ended with refreshments, provided by her devoted husband, Jim, and plenty of photos to commemorate the day!

Alexandria, Nadine’s nurse, shared, “When I became Mrs. Jackson’s nurse case manager last summer, I quickly noticed her deep love for creativity. Music, art, and flowers have been cornerstones of her life. I learned that she was preparing a concert for her family, working with music therapy to reignite her creative spirit. This brought a smile to my face.

During my visits, she would play short tunes on various instruments around her home— Mrs. Jackson is truly a multi-instrumentalist. On the day of the concert, her family gathered to support her, and I witnessed her pure inner joy. She smiled and laughed with her loved ones while doing what she loved most—creating.

Helping patients affirm life and supporting them on their journey has been my privilege, and moments like these remind me why I am so dedicated to being a nurse.”

Music is a versatile and universally accessible modality, remaining a source of connection and expression regardless of age, illness, or other limitations. For Nadine, music became a powerful way to engage and connect with others while enhancing her quality of life, especially as traditional forms of communication became more challenging.

Hayley

"Nadine has always been deeply connected to music, growing up in a musical family. Her father, a choir director with a voice reminiscent of an opera singer, instilled in her a lifelong love for song. She went on to share her talents as the Church Choir Director at Christ Methodist Church in Salisbury, MD, a role she held for 10 years. Nadine has an incredible gift for music and can still recall many of her favorite songs. She especially loves easy-listening music, which continues to bring her joy and comfort." With a chuckle, he added, "The only song I know is Happy Birthday! "