An 80-year-old grandmother from Alberta, Canada, suffers from dementia. She may not remember others’ names or faces, but she remembers music. When her granddaughter plays “Scotland the Brave” on the cello, she lights up and starts singing.
“We played many songs, and my grandmother loved them. She would sing along and cry to music, especially songs like ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ or ‘Amazing Grace.’ But ‘Scotland the Brave,’ for some reason, made her start dancing and singing along with the music. That was her song, and we played it many times,” 20-year-old Kathryn Fakeley told The Epoch Times.
Kathryn Fakeley studies music and business in Georgia. Whenever she visits her grandmother Deanna Fakeley, she plays a lot of music for her. Her grandmother began showing signs of dementia eight years ago.
Last May, during her university summer break, Kathryn drove to Elk Point in Alberta to visit her grandparents. Her grandfather took her to the care home to see her grandmother, where she performed for her and other patients.
As usual, she started with her grandmother’s favorite song, “Scotland the Brave” – a traditional Scottish tune.
“Playing this song is very emotional for me because every time I perform for her, I worry it might be the last time,” she said. “So, I pour my heart and soul into the music, giving her a performance she will cherish.”
“Dementia patients may forget that you visited, but they will never forget the feelings you give them.”
Undoubtedly, her grandmother enjoyed the performance.
“Her emotions completely changed,” she said. “When that song played, she went from somewhat sad to very happy and fully immersed in the music.”
What made her even happier was that other patients at the care home also enjoyed her performance.
“They were delighted to have a musician play for them,” Kathryn said. “Everyone got lost in the music, reminiscing about past moments.”
During her visit, a gentleman at the care home asked her to play a song from his wedding.
“I quickly looked up the chords and melody, played it on the piano for him, and he was near tears,” she said. “Music is so powerful. We sat in the room, but it felt like we were traveling back in time, experiencing the feelings of a wedding 50 years ago together.”
Kathryn Fakeley grew up in a musical family in Alberta. One of her fondest memories is playing the cello with her sisters at her grandparents’ house.
“(Grandma) would sing along with us and always told us, ‘Never stop your music… keep pushing’,” Kathryn Fakeley recalled.
This talented cellist draws inspiration from her grandmother, describing her as a “strong woman.”
“She always stood up for what she believed in… always fought for those who couldn’t speak up for themselves,” she said. “I have always respected and admired her.”
However, eight years ago, former nurse Deanna Fakeley began showing signs of dementia. Initially, Kathryn and her sisters were young, so they didn’t fully understand what was happening to their beloved grandmother, prompting conversations with their parents.
Over time, as Deanna Fakeley’s condition worsened, her family struggled to meet her needs, and she moved to a nursing home.
Today, with dementia advanced, Deanna Fakeley says her “strong, lively” grandmother has reached a point where she no longer recognizes people. This is particularly challenging for her grandfather, who has to watch his wife’s memories fade and can no longer live with her.
But playing for his wife of 55 years brings him much joy, and he tears up every time, Kathryn Fakeley said.
By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire other musicians to volunteer at local senior centers, hospices and care homes.
“No one cares if you’re performing in a grand concert hall for thousands of people. What matters is going out there and playing for those who may not often experience it because that’s when you truly touch people’s hearts,” she said.
Kathryn Fakeley believes in the power of music to change the world.
“I’ve seen hardened hearts become joyful and at peace again,” she said. “I’ve seen music heal people. I’ve seen music make people stronger.”