While Mark was in the hospital with the Blood Clot, we found two gentlemen that play music every Tuesday on each floor of Marin General. We heard them playing and thought, dangit...we need to get Mark out here. He would be their greatest fan. Well before you knew it, they were packed up and at the elevator. We asked when their next show is and they said, "take us to his room and we'll play there!"
They are "Music in the Halls" with Music Medicine. Partners is song, Michael Reiss and Mark Lerner came to Mark's room and played two beautiful songs. Needless to say, Melissa and I were a wreck in a beautifully composed way of course, but the music touched us and Mark. It was a healing experience and reinforces so much the simple things in life that matters the most. At that moment, in that hospital with Mark and family, there is no other place we would have rather been then right there, right then. In the Now!
What these two gentlemen are doing is truly a beautiful thing. They bring the gift of harmony to patients and staff in the hospital. It was a gift and something we won't forget. To have a ray of sunshine in a dark and scary place was like watching a child being born, walking through a field of flowers, or smelling the air right after it rains.
These are a few photos that we took while they played. We wish them the best and hope we can help by sharing our story and how on that day, they helped Mark get better. They also helped the family in a profound way. You meet incredible people and you experience beautiful moments that you wouldn't have if it weren't for this accident. We certainly wish it never would have happened, but it did, and we are so blessed and forever grateful for all those big hearts we met along the way.
If you have someone at Marin General or even somewhere else - they travel locally - (For donations) we highly suggest you contact them. Music heals in so many ways! Not only in the words of the song but by those who are singing. You can call 415.925.7624 for more information on Music Medicine.
Mark and family,
I read about you in the "Dish" newsletter from the San Francisco Professional Food Society. I was so sorry to hear about your accident, but after reading your letter and this web site it seems like some very good things have come out of it. My sister had a terrible accident two years ago but now she is doing extremely well. You never know where this experience will take you, and I hope and pray that it is a wonderful place. My thoughts are with you and your family. Hang in there and stay as positive as you sound! Sincerely, Amy Kull
Posted by: Amy Kull | June 15, 2005 at 11:17 AM