What music means to me …
For someone with limited musical abilities, it may seem ironic to hear me share that music has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a musical home with a piano, organ, string instruments, and people who knew how to play them. I remember my father’s 8 track cassettes playing Elvis, Abba, and even Waylon Jennings. I remember Stairway to Heaven playing the first time I slow danced with a girl. I remember the Phil Collins song that played the first time a girl broke my heart. My life has an eclectic soundtrack all of its own.
But today music means more to me than ever. My oldest son, Sean, has autism. Like so many children with autism, social based communication (even like talking to his dad) can be a struggle. There have been many days of frustration and many nights of tears. However, from the beginning music held a special bond between us. While still in his mother’s womb, I used to sing “Hey Jude” to Sean so he’d stop kicking. Only moments after he entered this world, I sang that famous Beatles song again to him and he stopped crying. If the hospital staff joined in on the "nana na," parts, I missed it.
Today he’s a growing and thriving six year old boy. Autism never goes away. There is no cure. But you don’t have to accept defeat from this mysterious condition that continues to baffle doctors and scientists everywhere. Here’s what I’ve learned: the music that bonded us before we met continues to bind us today. My son and I share a passion for music and not a day goes by where we don’t share a song (or two or three or …). We even have "band practice" with me being the least talented musician in our house. I've introduced him to the Beatles, Van Morrision, Coldplay, U2 and others.
In so many ways, music is the language between us. We understand each other better through the melodies and harmonies of our favorite tunes. I am proud of my son and love how he expresses himself through song, dance, and now playing piano and guitar. I am honored to be a part of MiTM and our continuing efforts to bring the healing powers of music to others.
Jeff Bricker
Thank you for sharing that story Jeff it brought tears to my eyes !! What a wonderful thing music is it for me is most definetly is therapeutic. We have had one heck of a year as far as losses go and without music I myself would be lost !! It is so much better than any pill or psycho therapy session . My son had learning disabilities when he was little the doctors said it was because he was so small, he weighed five pounds four ounces and lost an ounce . I had to monitor his weight when I brought him home he had to wear a cap so as to not catch cold because his immune system was not strong enough. He also did not talk properly till he was almost 6 years old. I however could understand him, I am his mother. I would play Jethro Tull music and he would be calm . When he was able to talk he knew word for word Jethro Tull & Ozzy music. He is now a healthy happy 14 year old boy who is way more improved because of music and loving parents. I had noone when he was born family lived down south I live in the midwest. I never got a break but I/we kept on going. I love following MITM and be a supporting fan I wish I could be more of a part of this wonderful organization. But, I am good with being a follower, am glad you all decided to make a blog that is wonderful more people should know about this group !! Thank you for the creation of music and MITM !! Much Blessings Heather
ReplyDeleteHeather, thanks for your testimony as well! Really appreciate your support and we're cheering for you and your family!
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