Service Can Be Very Emotional

Author: Grace Pfleger

Part I

Working as an ArtistCorps member has been very emotional lately. Recently, I went on my regular route with the Meals on Wheels program, ready with a song I knew everyone would find joy in. I know I did in the practice room! It was Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody". Perry, the volunteer I work with, and I love making music together and I knew it was a song everyone would love and enjoy.

I arrived at the location and entered the first apartment.  The woman we were visiting told us that she had just been in the hospital over the weekend. Her children were being difficult and asking her for money. It was a mood and a moment that was not asking for Whitney but rather inspiration.  On the fly, I decided to sing a favorite gospel tune, “How Great Thou Art”. It was a very touching and spiritual experience to deliver comfort into her home.  Learning how to quickly pivot depending on the mood is one of the biggest skills I have learned from ArtistCorps.

Part II

My favorite couple I sing for has been having some severe difficulties lately. Their health is fading and their children are not supporting them. On Wednesday, I learned that the husband, one of the most enthusiastic and energetic residents, had fallen extremely ill. He went to the hospital the day before and was diagnosed with many severe illnesses.  His wife was in great distress and deeply concerned for her husband, whom she was not able to visit due to her poor health.

It was another moment where Whitney was not appropriate.

I sang “Give me Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art”.  Once again, I had to change my emotion to match the resident's mood. As I sang, she began to cry. I began to tear up but had to keep singing. Everyone cried. Her neighbor came in and listened. My small audience listened in the living room, all eyes on me, a simple messenger for what they needed to hear.

When I finished singing, the room was silent for a few moments and then we all prayed for the resident and her loving, caring, husband.