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When Sam Kinsella first started working at a local nursing home, he met 93-year-old Edward Hardy. Stricken with dementia and depression, Hardy was barely communicating anymore. Shouting and distressed, he was out of it and seemed to have simply given up. While trying to make conversation, Kinsella told Hardy he was a musician, and Hardy's face lit up. He had been a musician, too. A pianist. Wouldn't it be great to get Hardy a keyboard, Kinsella thought. What happened next stunned everyone. This story just grows and blossoms before your eyes and ears. While it is testament to the power of music to enrich the brain and human spirit, it also shows the power of connection and the difference that one person can make in someone else's life.

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    Suzanne Rose

    What a marvellous young man you are Sam Kinsella, for finding out more about Ed, by using your own musical appreciation and creative thoughts to restoring his spirit by introducing musicians and instruments back into his life. This probably did more for for Edward than any medication. You were a blessing Sam, and I'm sure Edward and his wife are much happier now. Thank you for your kindness.

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    Deborah Plummer

    It was magical seeing the light in his eyes and what a little information from someone new caused such a change in not only one person but the entire group. Very touching.

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    Linda

    I was inspired by Edward's out of the box thinking. The fact that no one had provided Sam with an instrument didn't stop him from believing that Sam could still play. What a message about the brain. It holds onto music when so many other aspects of being fade. I am 63. Time to take up an instrument!

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    Rose Haverlack

    To see that age does not negate the validity of a person is what I found in this video. Edward came "alive" with music and his sounds brightened the lives of all those in his company. Sam Kinsella did a wonderful thing. He brought life to an existence that was quieted because of illness. Kudos.

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    Gale Bakalik

    The kindness of the young Sam Kinsella and his energy to help Edward. The young helping the old is so inspiring and loving. All the best to all of them.

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    shadakshary

    Power of music is great

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    Pamela cheema

    It was great to see the power of music on the mind of a dementia patient. It was wonderful to see the gentleman happy and rejuvenated with music.

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    Deepak

    Thank you . It was marvelous to see what a difference music made to his life . Thank you for who you were . I do understand what Dementia does to a human being . I lost my mother recently to Dementia which she suffered for two years .

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    Kay

    Marvelous and inspiring! God bless all who care for others and look for creative opportunities to support them.

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    Barbara C Alaimo

    This was beautiful. But I am crying because I am trying to find the link for my 99 year old Dad to have a light in his eyes again. He doesn't go to social functions, look at TV, or read. I am really the only one who engages him in conversation. What can I do? I have tried playing music but that never was his special love. Talking about the past seems to be the best I can do.

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    Virginia Reeves

    Tears in my eyes at the amazing power of music and its importance to our spirit and overall well-being. Thanks to all involved and may it encourage each of us to enjoy music until the end of our days.

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    Alice Kast

    Thank you so much for resending this. When I first watched, I remembered my own 78 year attachment to music. And today Reike music took me high like the Catskill eagle remembered from a 1962 paper on Melville “...and there is a Catskill eagle in some souls that can alike dive down into the blackest gorges, and soar out of them again and become invisible in the sunny spaces. And even if he forever flies within the gorge, that gorge is in the mountains; so that even in his lowest swoop the mountain eagle is still higher than the other birds upon the plain, even though they soar.”

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    Victoria

    Such a beautiful story of a young musician helping an older one get music back in his life!

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    rupesh

    truly touching...

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    G. Carroll

    It's amazing the effect music can have on people. If you liked this movie you will also like "Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory".

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    Susannah

    So so heartwarming. Music for the Soul.. Sam you're a master, and such joy to see you being and helping come alive an old boy called Hardy. Yes, tears to the eyes. Keep on with the wonderful work, and all good blessings for a fine life.

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    Heather

    Thank you for sharing this. I have tears of joy watching it. What a miracle. Music is such a healing force.

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    Maria

    This is such a beautiful story! I love how Mr. Hardy, at the age of 93, had the opportunity to reunite with his bandmates and through the power of music, uplift himself and his community. Well done, Sam, on sparking interest and putting this brilliant diamond back in the spotlight! “When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.” ― Henry David Thoreau

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    gene

    Great story and so glad this man could do something he loved again. But, what struck me most was this young mans willingness to help someone older than he was. I am sure this will have a prfound effect on the rest of his life.

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    Kathy

    I love that God gives us special memories that bring us happiness no matter how old me are or however lost our day to day thought processes are. Thank you to Sam who was willing to reach out to Mr. Hardy and find that special memory: music!

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    Barbara

    Sam, this is a wonderful story. Music can be such a force for good. You have done an incredible job of helping someone enjoy life again. You are very gifted in your understanding of the human spirit. Best of luck to you in your musical career as well.

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    Mareda

    Love this story! The most inspiring part of it was that young person who was just "looking to get some extra cash" took the time to listen and watch and connect and then took it many steps forward to bring joy to so many. Well done!

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    smitty

    As a female trumpeter for the past 70 years I have personally experienced the joy music can bring into the lives of musicians. Thank God my mother had the insight to give me the gift that would last a lifetime.

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    Mish

    Amazing & wonderful. One of my all-time favorites!!! Sharing it with friends. His transformation so beautiful. Bless the young man who brought him "back to life".

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    Cindy

    Wonderful story! If only all people in care homes had a Sam Kinsella in their lives! It takes a special person to connect with others and recognize ways to help them.

  • Page 1

  • Watch the trailer for "Alive Inside." Find out more about the effect of music on Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
  • Have an old ipod you don't need? Donate it to Music & Memory, a nonprofit organization that aims to bring personalized music into healthcare settings.
  • Today, reach out to someone you know who is elderly or bedridden and bring a little music or stimulation into their lives.

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