Turning Grief Into a Song of Hope

Hello, my name is George, and I’m a Volunteer Guide for Musicians On Call.

Three years ago, my wife of 30 years lost her courageous eight-year battle with cancer. In the early hours of January 4, 2022, as I held her hand, she passed through that hole in the garden wall.

We spent many days in hospitals at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and MD Anderson in Houston. One afternoon, in the midst of so many long and difficult days, there was a knock on the door. It was a volunteer from Musicians On Call, asking if we wanted to hear live music. I said, “Absolutely! Do you know ‘Thunder Road’ by Bruce Springsteen?” It was our wedding song.

For those few minutes, light filled Sherry’s hospital room. It was magic. And for that short time, everything felt right in the world. That’s the power of music. I never forgot that moment and vowed that one day, I’d be part of this incredible organization.

In the months before Sherry passed, her doctor introduced her to another patient of his, Roy Montana. They connected over their shared battle and developed a meaningful, supportive friendship. Sherry spoke of Roy often, though I never had the chance to meet him. After she passed, Roy’s family reached out to tell me how much her support had meant to him during his own struggles. As we talked, the conversation naturally turned to music and its healing power. We decided it would be good to meet. So Roy, his wife, and I had breakfast and we continued our heartfelt conversation. It was only then that Roy told me that he volunteered for Musicians On Call and had for the last 9 years. Of course, Roy hooked me up with Musicians On Call, bringing the story full circle.

Fast forward to last November, my second shift as a Volunteer Guide. I found myself on the very hospital floor where Sherry had passed away. I knew, at some point, I’d walk into the room and sure enough, about 11 rooms in, there I was.

Inside, a middle-aged man stood by the bed. When asked what song he’d like to hear, he said, “Do you know any James Taylor?” The musician didn’t. Then the man asked, “How about Jackson Browne?”

My knees buckled. Jackson Browne is my music hero. The musician said, “Yes, I know one song, it’s called ‘Something Fine.’”

I could hardly believe it. ‘Something Fine’ was one of Sherry’s favorites. I stepped back, quietly singing along, tears in my eyes. In that moment, I knew she was with me.

Grief has been heavy these past three years, but I’ve learned something: when I help others through music, I help myself too. That’s the beauty of Musicians On Call. That’s the power of music.

And you know that I'm looking back carefully, Cause I know that there's still something there for me. But you said "Morocco" and you made me smile, And it hasn't been that easy for a long, long while. And looking back into your eyes I saw them really shine, Giving me a taste of something fine. “Something Fine” – Jackson Browne

Learn more about how you can help deliver the healing power of music with Musicians On Call.