Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Ever since I was a young child, I was surrounded by music.
My Mom was a tremendous piano player and loved music. She taught me about the classics, the big bands, (I knew most of the theme songs for all the big bands), and all kinds of genre.
I got into some piano playing, dancing and singing when I was a child and still indulge for those who can still stand to hear me. 😊
Sports was also something I liked, but music is always a go-to for me.
We played music trivia. Our whole family loved to sit and listen to all kinds of music.
I remember my Canadian cousin Terry and I used to sit and listen to The Guess Who and Burton Cummings for hours. Of course … Canadian musicians.
Depending on the mood and what we were doing. Calm and cool, like “These Eyes” to “Clap For The Wolfman.”
It is amazing how you can have a mood swing with music, have you ever noticed?
There is times when I need to just chill decompress from my arguments with my oxygen machines and hoses, and need to listen to some cool jazz.
Kenny G and his soothing sax.
Billy Joel played at the New Orleans Jazz Fest one year and went through his complete classics like, “Piano Man,” “Movin’ Out,” “New York State of Mind,” and so on. Over two and half hours … and then he brought the house down with some real New Orleans jazz including “Hurricane Sandy” in remembrance of Hurricane Katrina. If you have a chance, listen to the 2013 Jazz Fest recording. Those hours of listening provide extra inspiration for me.
We need inspiration. Even though we are all doing the best we can on our journey. You must find inspiration. Music really helps me.
In the 70s, Bruce Springsteen was an inspiration. Watch “Springsteen on Broadway” – it is very cool and so heartwarming for me. His songs tell stories. Growing up on the Jersey Shore as he did, helps me remember my past. The good and bad.
Music has a way of doing that. Teaching us at times to face the “music,” so to speak. You can’t always change the road, but you can smooth the way.
My kids have become interested in music early as well. I have a trumpeter in the high school marching band and a piano player that just loves to play.
When my daughter starts playing music from “The Phantom of the Opera,” I pretty much stop what I am doing and listen, it soothes my soul and calms my anxiety.
So, when you start to feel anxious, do you stop and consider taking a deep pursed-lip breath, count to five and listen to some calming music?
“Summer Breeze” by Seals & Croft. Or some Otis Reading’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Two of my favorites.
There are many I will warn you in my list of favorites. I could talk and listen to music all day. It really helps me get myself and things around me back in perspective. And it’s generally free, just requires a bit of time is all. I have lots, LOL!!!
Broadway tunes also do the trick for me. Since I can’t attend New York City Broadway shows anymore, I still listen to the soundtracks for my favorite shows – “A Chorus Line,” “Jersey Boys,” and tons more.
If you have an Amazon Prime subscription you can get Amazon Music and Video for free. You can get all kinds of oldies and newbies on there – most are free. Just take your cell phone and speak into the receiver and say, “Hey Siri” or “Hey Alexa,” “Play some dance music,” “Play some 60s,” 70s or 80s, whatever you like … you get the idea. Totally awesome!!!
I’m also a sucker for the “Rat Pack” — Frank, Dino and Sammy. “Tambourine Man,” is a classic for me. “That’s Amore” and “Summer Wind.” They just make me happy.
I was fortunate to see many artists in person, thanks Mom, miss her so much now that I am on this journey. She would be my musical soulmate no doubt … sigh.
I loved going out to some of the Jersey Shore places and see live music with her. It was mostly the calm and fun to sing along with stuff, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Calling on our past and relating it to music can be so reassuring.
So, my friends, make this our musical “Journey” together, and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Be safe and stay as healthy as you can. Listen and sing along with your moods.
#touchaheart
#breathe-easy
#karaoke (if it helps, do it in the shower, 😊 )
Love you all,
Coach Bob, aka, “Oxygen Man”
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 14-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and an eQuinox portable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.