On a cold January morning, I started internship in music therapy feeling nervous and not knowing what to expect. But I never would have expected how much the clients I have met have impacted my own life.

I am honored to spend time with hospice patients, geriatric clients, some children, and adults with developmental disabilities. Some particular clients have stood out for me and changed my outlook on life.

One client is an elderly man who lives in an assisted living facility and his wife comes to the music therapy session each week. She is such a graceful person with a joyful attitude towards life. I watch her look at her husband with so much love and affection and how much it must pain her that she can no longer live with him. These two clients have taught me the value of a simple smile, the utterance of a few words, and the value of sacrificial love.

Another client I see is an adult with developmental disabilities whom we see at her parents' home. I am deeply struck by the décor of the house. Above the client's bed is written, "You are beautifully made", which is a quote from a psalm. I had to hold back tears when I saw those words--being deeply struck of the immense love her parents have for their daughter and the atmosphere they have in their home.

Another client I see is an adult with dementia. He has had many complications because of the dementia and now his wife needs to take on many of the responsibilities of the home. What has struck me with this particular client is the way his wife has handled this challenging situation. She has hired some extra help during the day and brings her husband to an adult day center. It has taught me the value of taking care of yourself first in difficult situations and then administering to the people in need of care.

There are many more clients I have been graced with throughout my internship. I look forward to my continued encounters with these clients and the many more lessons they will teach me throughout my internship.