SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A hospice chaplain, who used to be a Nashville musician, brings some "comfort and joy" to patients' final days with Christmas carols.
Rev. Glenn Swain has long mixed music and ministry. He uses the powers of prayer and song to comfort the dying.
"If I play a song and I speak to them and bless them and that way they can hear that, that’s why I do this," Swain said.
This month Swain is singing favorite holiday songs as he visits homes of hospice patients.
"It’s already hard enough for these individuals who are going through the experiences that they have," said Steve Alfonsi, CEO of Royal Hospice and ComForCare. "If we can do it in a better way and bring a smile on their face, well, that means the world to us.
"Let it Snow" is a favorite request even though clients in Scottsdale are far from the wintry weather.
"The best part is we can get them singing along," Swain said.
In the pandemic, everyone, especially the elderly and sick, is more isolated for the holidays. The singing chaplain's visits are a high note.
