Have you ever had a broken heart?

When I was a student at St. Anthony Hospital School of Nursing back in the early 60's we did our three-month psychiatric affiliation at Logansport State Hospital. One of my favorite patients was a lady I'll call "Thelma". (Not her real name)

She was a sweet, charming, kind lady who had been in an automobile accident several years before and had brain damage. She was not really a psychiatric patient but back then there were few facilities for people like that so many ended up in the state hospitals.

Thelma had good days and bad days. She had been a music teacher until her accident and could still play the piano. On her good days she would play the piano and fill the ward with beautiful, uplifting sounds. I loved listening to her play. Thelma also wrote songs.

When I first went to Logansport I was engaged. On my first visit home, about three weeks later, my fiance broke up with me. I was heart-broken. When I returned to duty on Monday I tried to keep my problems to myself but Thelma was very perceptive. She said she could tell I was very sad and asked why. When I explained what had happened she told me she had a song to help make me feel better. She sang it for me and it did help. It lifted my spirits a little and gave me hope that I would survive. During the rest of the time I spent at Logansport, every day that Thelma was capable, she sang this song for me.

I will share the lyrics with you. If you've had a broken heart for any reason, I hope this can help you. If it helps, give a little thank you to Thelma and pass on the kindness. I think that would make her happy.

Consolation Melody

My heart is broken, it never shall mend

With patches on your heart.

Thank you "Thelma"