This morning, while singing “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine you make me happy when skies are gray…” I began to really think about the words of the song and in turn asked my hospice patient who brings (or has brought) them a little sunshine no matter the weather.
At the facility I was visiting there were several residents who heard my question and began to chime in. “My wife”, “my kids” and “our staff” all were listed. My hospice patient said “you brighten up my day” and another resident said “you are doing a pretty good job of it today.” While touched that I am able to bring some light and joy to my patients each day, I also got to thinking that this is not a one way street, those same patients and residents who listed me and those who didn’t bring me sunshine as well. I love my job and I love the individuals I interact with throughout my day.
While I long ago learned the words to this song when I was a child and the meaning of the lyrics are clear, I do feel that for me it really is important to recognize those who bring joy and light to my life and to thank them. This song has been recorded and re-recorded since 1939 and has appeared in several movies and TV shows throughout the years. It is a song that nearly all of my clients and patients know yet the exercise of identifying the individuals who bring them sunshine can be beneficial in many settings.
I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to spend time with my friends, co-workers and patients each day. While this song has the reputation of being the music therapy song and many feel it is used and overused, I invite you to sing it with some intent for it is those who bring us sunshine no matter the weather that deserve more thanks than we can give.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when days are gray…
