One of my most treasured friends is suffering a severe medical condition. When she discusses her painful situation it reminded me of a song I wrote for The Last Session — maybe the most popular song from that show, Going It Alone. Last week was the anniversary of the opening of our NY Off-Broadway production.

As for my friend, as part of her volunteer work, she would ride along with the local police department during domestic violence calls and care for the children during those intense moments. In her trunk, she kept a pile of Teddy Bears. She gave me permission to share one of these moments as an example of how we all can be of service to others.

The Power of Plush

It was 1 AM as we pulled into the apartment complex in answer to the call of a break-in.  The parking lot was dark; most of the street lights shot out.

The apartment we were going to was on the interior of the complex, also dark and sinister.  It was the sound of crying that led us to the broken door and dimly lit apartment.

I drew the two twin girls onto the sofa and into my lap while the officer was gathering information and taking statements from the tenants.  Both were sobbing uncontrollably, tears streaming down their little faces and little noses running.

I pulled tissue from my pocket and wiped noses and told them my name was and I was a friend of the police.  I asked their names and they responded.  I asked their ages.  One held up three wet, pudgy, adorable fingers while the other just clung to my neck.  I asked if they were twins and they both nodded “yes”.

As I held them, I gave a quick glance around their home: only three small rooms: a tiny bathroom, a small bedroom with a mattress on the floor and the kitchen/living room we were sitting in.  All dimly lit.  Windows covered with black trash bags; no curtains.  Front door with a now kicked in lock and what looked like multiple gunshot holes.

No pictures.  No decorations.  No color.  And no toys.

As I held them, their sobbing calmed, but their grip on my neck and arms never lessened.

I asked if they would like for me to read them a story about a little mouse.  They responded with a nod, but no words.  I pulled a storybook from my bag, “The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear.”  It’s a delightful book with beautiful expressive illustrations.  I drew the girls closer and had them take turns turning the pages.

They were able to identify with the fear and anxiety of the little mouse who wanted to protect his treasured strawberry from the hungry bear.  We scoured each page carefully, the girls showing me something special on nearly every one.  I asked them which they thought was cuter: the little mouse or the hungry bear.  Both said “bear!”

The officer finished her report and indicated to me with a nod toward the door that we should leave.

I pulled two six-inch plush teddy bears from my bag; one with a pink bow on one ear, the other with a purple bow.  Hoping they would not both want the same bear, I offered them to the little girls as I rose from the sofa.  Fortunately, no fighting!

They ran to show their mama and as I looked back to wave en route to the cruiser, I saw both girls holding their bears tightly and smiling.  It hit me that there is power in plush!  Little girls comforted and distracted from the violation of their home and hearts by brown bags of bear-shaped stuffing.

A reminder that we all find comfort when we have something or someone to hold onto.

*****

So my song link today is “Going It Alone,” which I put on my Tales from the Bonus Round many moons ago. I encourage you to share it  with anyone you think it might help. Whether they be a caregiver or a patient.

Add this to your playlists:

Apple Music link:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/going-it-alone/1082085482?i=1082085646

Spotify Link:

https://open.spotify.com/track/1y18S4tGWHOG05mqu5ekYx?si=efd9c6f3cd814314

As always, these are free to stream, but if you can afford to purchase the tracks from Apple Music, it’s how independent artists such as myself can earn a living.

Steve Schalchlin

Living in the Bonus Round

Spotify Links

Love Songs by Steve Schalchlin Spotify Playlist https://tinyurl.com/stevelovesongs

Personal Songs by Steve Schalchlin Spotify Playlist https://tinyurl.com/stevepersonal

Comic/Humor Songs by Steve Schalchlin Spotify Playlist https://tinyurl.com/stevehumor

Inspirational Songs by Steve Schalchlin Spotify Playlist https://tinyurl.com/steveinspire

Meditation Music by Steve Schalchlin Spotify Playlist https://tinyurl.com/stevemeditate

Political Songs by Steve Schalchlin Spotify Playlist https://tinyurl.com/stevepolitics

Rebel Nerd Songs – lyrics by Steve Schalchlin

https://tinyurl.com/steverebelnerd