Hospice patient reunites with music student in Mesa after 40 years

The Daily Independent
June 7, 2024
by Lin Sue Flood

When Hospice of the Valley music therapist Tammy Reiver first met patient Nancy Scullion and her husband Mike, it was clear the visit was going to be special.

“Right from the start we had some things in common,” recalled Tammy. “There was something very familiar about Nancy but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.”

A private school music teacher in Tempe back in the 1980s, Nancy later worked as an activity director at several skilled nursing facilities in Mesa, often leading music groups. But as soon as the 77-year-old started sharing cherished memories of her career and passion for teaching, Tammy realized she was sitting face to face with her junior high music teacher.

“You played for me 40 years ago, now it’s my turn to play for you!” Tammy exclaimed.

Nancy responded with elation, “After all these years… Wow! I am so happy!”

Mike was incredulous, as well, saying: “A stranger walks into your door and turns out to not be a stranger after all!”

During the next couple of visits to Legacy Retirement Residence in Mesa, Tammy brought in old class photos from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Tempe and the two music lovers took a trip down memory lane. “We shared memories together of the students, the teachers, the principal, the music room, and specific music learned. I recalled how Nancy would bring in lyric sheets, play the piano, and lead all the students in a sing-along. She helped influence my own career.”

Nancy owns several instruments, including a keyboard, guitar and violin. The weekly music therapy sessions motivated Nancy to play one of them again. With her husband’s help, she took out her violin. Hospice nurse Reese Poorman and social worker Allison Wecks attended one of their sessions and saw a different side of Nancy.

“Finding those old instruments in the back of the closet and playing them allowed Nancy to reconnect to an old version of herself…suddenly, she became energized and vibrant!” Allison said. “Music fills a soul and brings it to life!”

Tammy will never forget this experience. “This is life coming full circle with those who served, and who we now serve in return; where student became teacher and teacher became student. I am honored and blessed beyond measure.”