There’s something truly magical about music. It has the ability to touch us on a deep level, reaching places within us that we may not even be aware of. It can make us smile, cry, feel brave, or dive deep into introspection.
For Lindon Beckford, a patient transporter at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, music is his way of bringing comfort and joy to the world and to himself. Singing has been a part of his life since he was a young boy, and he has discovered that it can have a powerful impact, especially when he shares it with the patients he transports.
Beckford has been serenading patients for years, but he never expected the incredible reaction he would receive. He reflected, “I was always singing at work. I was always singing as a child growing up, so it was just a natural thing. It was more for a comforting thing… So I did that just to comfort myself, but all of a sudden I get to realize people were listening to me.”
Realizing that his singing was making a difference, Beckford made it a regular part of his routine. After working at the hospital for over three decades, he has perfected various techniques to ease the worries of anxious patients.
He explained, “Depending on the conversation that I hear… is the patient in pain? What song can I sing to relieve them. At the end when I get them to their procedure or back to their room they will tell me, ‘you know, you make this trip from here to there so much easier because of your singing’.”
For Beckford, singing is simply an expression of his love for music, but for his patients, it can be life-changing. He recalled one memorable experience when a patient began harmonizing with him. It was a moment of pure connection and joy for both of them.
It is clear to see that Beckford deeply cares for the people he transports. In a time of confusion and worry, his voice becomes a comforting companion, letting patients know that everything is going to be okay. It is a gift that is truly priceless.
If you want to witness the power of Beckford’s voice, watch the video below. Let’s join together in saluting this incredible patient transporter and share his inspiring story on Facebook.
