It is a debate for some people as to whether it’s good to return to work when coming back from holiday. I had a good holiday, it is always good to spend time with Jean and have a time to relax. It is also great to get back to Forget Me Notes because it really doesn’t feel like work. It is a privilege and an opportunity. A perfect example was on Thursday afternoon when we were in the bandstand at Saughton Park. The weather in the park was beautiful and warm with a light wind, but as it always is, when you are stood in the bandstand, it was cold with a strong gale force wind and clothes pegs were needed to keep the music on the stand.
We had seventy people who came to sing on Thursday, some with a lived experience of dementia, others with additional needs, there were younger people, older people and those in the middle. I went to speak to a group of people after the event and a lady who has dementia said to me “this has changed my life”.
On Friday we had three sessions, one at Open Door which Alan and Paul delivered, this was attended by Ian Murray MP the Secretary of State for Scotland. It was an opportunity for someone with responsibility to understand what people gain from music.
We also had sessions at Ashbrook and Cramond Residence where people were joining in with stories, singing and sharing in the value of community through music.
I have taken some time to reflect on the comments of the lady in the bandstand “this has changed my life”. What did she mean by that and what do others feel as they find support and fulfilment at Forget Me Notes? Feeling accepted and finding a place of belonging is important to all of us. Loneliness and isolation affect us both emotionally and physically, as does finding a community where we can express ourselves. While I haven’t been able to speak to the lady about her comment, I can listen along with other evaluations and understand something about the impact we make. We have another week ahead of us to offer our support to others and continue to build a community available for all.
I hope that you find a place of inclusion and acceptance in the week ahead.