Joy in the Oncology Ward

There were two moments that stood out to us during our visit to the oncology ward. The first was the surprise look on the face of the nurses who saw one of their cancer patients run out of her room, dash over to where we were, and begin singing at the top of her lungs. Although her hair was missing, she was beaming with delight as she sang.

The second memorable experience was the effect of our singing on a young woman who had been taking care of her sick mother. We sang “Cielito Lindo” for the two of them. There is a moment in that song that can be translated “Sing and don’t cry.” It was at that moment that the young woman burst into tears.

It seemed as though all of the pain she had experienced while taking care of her sick mother was finally boiling over. Two of us went over and hugged her close. She gladly embraced us, and we knew that her expression was a much needed relief.