Therapeutic harp music offers benefits to patients and staff – by Erin Tribble
In 2009, I watched the German film Vision: From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen about the 12th-century Benedictine abbess known for her musical compositions, scientific writings, and mystical visions. One scene that has stayed with me depicts a nun on her deathbed surrounded by her community, with several of them playing stringed instruments…(Read more)

Decades of mentorship help CPE educator create new community – by Jacob George
I walked towards the back pew of the church on Mother’s Day alone. Then, to my surprise, one of my former chaplain interns from five years ago waved and motioned me to sit with her family. Sliding closer together, they made room for me. She shared her joys and sorrows, including her bittersweet pride over her newly graduated daughter’s college plans. When she later posted about her Mother’s Day on social media, she wrote, “And the icing on the cake was running into my mentor who just so happened to be visiting our church”…(Read more)

Code status conversations represent a chance for deep connection – by Nicholas Perkins
I recently met a palliative care patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder whose code status was not on file. He described his condition as “breathing through a wet towel.” I listened intently while he shared how it feels to lose his breath when he eats and walks to the restroom. As a competitive runner, I reflected upon the sadness this patient felt as he shared the limiting effects of his illness…(Read more)

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