“I Did It Again”

This morning I returned to the Durham VA Medical center to sing to some of the sick and wounded hospitalized soldiers.

Again, this is my way of showing these brave men and women that I am deeply grateful for their sacrifices.  Many of them face trying days of illness and therapy.

It looked to me like there were more patients in the cafeteria area this time around.   It took me about 15 minutes to set up my sound equipment, and then:  Showtime!

My song choices were more varied this time around, and I would quickly see that the former soldiers liked it.

Some of them began to smile and sing right along with me when I sang Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together , and Smokey Robinson’s Ooh Baby Baby. That didn’t happen during my first visit.

I worked the whole room, touching hands and singing directly to as many veterans as I could.  One volunteer motioned to me and whispered about a patient near one of the walls who was blind and loved music.  I made a point of holding his hand and getting him to move to the beat of the music.

It was all so much fun.  I talked between the songs and made them laugh– I danced to some of the songs, and made them laugh. What a joy!

I get that many of these men and women have no family or friends and that they are far from home, but I just have to say I am the one who feels thankful and grateful for the opportunity to have direct contact with THEM .

After my show, I took some pictures with the veterans… I shook hands.. and one kind gentleman soldier even kissed my hand.  They all had such kind things to say about my performance.

Listen, I am already thinking about April.  That’s when I return to the VA Hospital to perform. I am already planning a new song list that will hopefully make them feel happy and special.

Perhaps more than that, though– I want them to see– to really see– that I care.  Deeply.

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