70-Year-Old Violinist Plays ICU While Intubated, Bringing Joy to Staff
A 70-year-old musician, Grover Wilhelmsen, brought a touch of joy to a hospital ICU by playing the violin while intubated with coronavirus. Wilhelmsen, who had been teaching and playing music all his life, requested to perform on the ward in writing as he was unable to speak.
Nurse Ciara Sase was deeply moved by Wilhelmsen's performance, describing it as 'unbelievable' that a patient could play an instrument so beautifully while intubated. The music brought a 'small light in the darkness of COVID' to the ICU, according to nurse Matt Harper, who considered it one of his favorite memories from the ward. Medical staff closed the doors to Wilhelmsen's room and enjoyed the music from behind the glass to ensure a safe environment. Wilhelmsen played multiple times over a couple of days before his symptoms worsened and he had to be sedated. Staff described Wilhelmsen as 'special' and someone who made a mark on all the staff during his stay.
Grover Wilhelmsen was recently discharged from the ward after staying for over a month and is currently residing at an acute care facility where he is expected to recover. His violin performances in the ICU served as a heartwarming reminder of the power of music to bring comfort and joy, even in the darkest of times.
