The constancy of relationships-- both in and out of the hospital-- has been critical to moving through this pandemic with grace and resilience. I am thankful for old and new friendships across divisions, campuses, platforms, and disciplines. Check out this recording of “You’ve got a Friend,” by the cast of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”

It is OK to hope. Marcus Aurelius said a person should live each day as if it were their last, but Pulitzer prize winning poet Carl Dennis has a caveat. He says there is “no shame” in hoping for a happy future, too. Cheers to hope, one of the most powerful forces we control.

The show must go on! After a looong shift, it's awesome to see these Alvin Ailey dancers moving their feet like they have all the energy in the world. There is a sense that they are, well, dancing in the face of danger-- which would sound dramatic if it weren't so true. I love to see that they're still moving. We are too.

Welcome back to sensory Saturdays! On Saturdays we send a poem that is packed with taste, smell, touch, and all of the sensory experiences that the pandemic takes away from us. This poem by Native American author Ofelia Zepeda gives us the smells and sounds of burning wood, the wind in her hair, and memories that remind her of home. We hope that whatever home you are in this weekend-- your own, someplace temporary, or your work home- that you are happy and safe.

This piece, featuring 129 trombones (!), was composed exclusively for healthcare workers by Belgian composer Steven Verhelst. It features soloists from the New York Philharmonic, Atlanta Philharmonic and the royal symphony orchestra of the Netherlands, among others.

A very cool and unique collaboration that reminds me of the work we are all doing right now across campuses, platforms, and departments.

Thank you Dr. Renu Mital for sending!

Our youngest serenaders yet—a group of 4th graders at PS 199-- made this video of thanks, and set it to Andra Day’s Rise Up. Can we make the world better for them? They make me want to keep trying.

Thank you to the Komansky Children’s Hospital Family Advisory Council, for sending this along.

The word angel has been used in many ways during this pandemic. There are shopping angels and angel funds, and maybe we each try to summon our own angels on the way to work. It is likely that a patient has seen you as an angel. Here is what poet Mary Oliver has to say on the topic.

Beannacht is the Gaelic word for blessing. Poet John O’Donahue wrote this piece, Beannacht, as a blessing for his mother. Thank you Dr. Elizabeth Fiorino.

It is perfect for the current time, when we all wish each other—in his words— clarity, protection, and love.

Many of us are re-connecting with old friends to compare experiences and support one another. In this video, a Filipino college choir reunites virtually to sing their favorite song together. The song, Paraiso, is about finding beauty under even the bleakest of circumstances. Enjoy this video from our own Dr Vincent Uy (middle row, all the way on the right, in red!) and his fellow vocalists from Manila’s University of Santo Tomas.

Vince, thank you for allowing us to share this.

Today, Andrea Bocelli and his accompanist broadcast an Easter concert from the Duomo di Milano. The footage of the empty Duomo, and the empty streets of Italy, are almost as moving as the music.

Thank you Dr. Shari Platt for sharing this breathtaking performance.

This poem is about waiting for a homecoming- a big theme right now. Meanwhile, the poet lets her garden and her life run wild. The result is a sensory journey that I hope you will enjoy.

Poet Leanne O’Sullivan wrote this piece about leaving her husband’s bedside and entrusting his care to his bedside nurse. It’s a tribute to the deep healing work that nurses do for patients and their families. It also reminds us that, whatever our role, it is OK to tag out and leave the hospital at the end of the day or the week. Have a wonderful weekend.

Thank you Dr. Elizabeth Fiorino, for thinking of us.

Grab moments of happiness wherever you can. Poet Mary Oliver reminds me to do this again and again. I love the last line.

Tonight is the first night of Passover. Many Jewish families will gather around their computers, and zoom or facetime with relatives and loved ones. Whatever the platform may be, we are wishing our faculty and staff of all religions a good night. May your screen fill up with the faces you love.

Thank you Dr. Deborah Levine for sharing this timely poem.

Much of what we listen to on the news has been about disease and its consequences. Tonight, enjoy listening to Ravel’s Bolero, performed from home by members of the New York Philharmonic.

On a historical note, the piece was so unusual for its time that composer Maurice Ravel thought the orchestra would refuse to play it. However, it became his most famous piece.

Thank you to Dr. Anthony Rosen and his father Sholom, for sending this link along!

Today’s piece is by Joy Harjo, a Native American poet and the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States. I love it because it reminds us to breathe, to be kind, and to be thankful even during difficult times.

Today's piece, shared by Jane Torres-Lavoro, is by Chinese-American poet Ha Jin, the distinguished recipient of a PEN/Faulkner award and a PEN/Hemingway award. It's a simple, elegant poem about staying centered and adjusting to a new normal with grace.

No further ado.

Once again, we are packing our Saturday edition with taste, smell, and touch. Besides its amazing imagery, this poem is also packed with nostalgia, which feels just right for this moment.