Whatsoever You Do
As the music therapist for Malachi House, I have the privilege of sharing music with residents who are terminally ill. Music truly brings a sense of comfort, support and peace to those who are nearing the end of life. Nevertheless, I have come to realize that the residents at Malachi House bring the same types of feelings to my life, and Elizabeth was truly one of those residents.
When I first met Elizabeth, I knew she was coming to Malachi House with feelings of fear and anxiety. She was extremely tearful when I first met her but upon seeing my keyboard her tears quickly dried and an instant bond was created. She loved music, especially religious hymns. Elizabeth made an immediate request to hear the song, “Whatsoever You Do.” I knew the song well and was happy to sing it for her. Elizabeth expressed thankfulness for the song, as she felt that the song’s lyrics spoke to her in a special way.
As weeks and months passed, the song “Whatsoever You Do” became our theme song. It was played during every session along with Elizabeth’s other favorite hymns. Then, during one particular session, Elizabeth made a special request after the playing of her song. She reached out, held my hand and said, “When I die and have left his world, will you come back to my room, close the door and play me my song? Although you will not see me, I will be here listening to your music.” I immediately agreed to this request.
I continued seeing Elizabeth for several weeks after her request was made, and during each session we would sing “Whatsoever You Do” and she would remind me of her request. The day before she went to heaven, Elizabeth and I were able to sing her song together one last time. However, the following morning after her passing, I realized that Elizabeth and I still had one more song to sing. So I went into her room, closed the door and sang. As I sang and looked around the room, I felt such a sense of calmness and peace. Elizabeth was there. I kept my promise, and she kept hers.
By: Sarah Paczak Chappell,
Board Certified Music Therapist contracted from The Music Settlement to serve Malachi House through the generous support of the Kulas Foundation
Whatsoever You Do
Willard F. Jabusch
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me
When I was hungry, you gave me to eat
When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink
Now enter into the home of my father
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me
When I was homeless, you opened your door
When I was naked, you gave me your coat
Now enter into the home of my father
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me
When I was weary, you helped me find rest
When I was anxious, you calmed all my fears
Now enter into the home of my father
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me
When in a prison, you came to my cell
When on a sick-bed, you cared for my needs
Now enter into the home of my father
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me
When I was laughed at, you stood by my side
When I was happy you shared in my joy
Now enter into the home of my father
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me
