Lindon Beckford is a talented singer with the most unique stage — the corridors of a hospital where he works as a transport worker. While he moves patients from one room to the next, he soothes their nerves and heals their souls with the dulcet sound of his voice. Though he brings comfort to anxious patients, Beckford himself struggles with panic and anxiety attacks.
He used to sing live on the stages of nightclubs in Massachusetts and Maine, but he stopped due the overwhelming anxiety that began overshadowing his performance abilities. “I would forget my lyrics,” he said. The panic would “drive you crazy. You’re nervous … you start a song, but you start it in the wrong key” and can’t finish. “Anxiety can put you in a bad spot.” He eventually sought out medical help, receiving a prescription for anti-anxiety pills that he now only takes if he has to perform in front of a crowd.
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Beckford recalled a time when a patient, Barbara Tipon, had made a request of him for an Elvis song. He couldn’t think of any Elvis songs, and the all-too-familiar anxiety kicked in. His internal repertoire went blank one by one like a row of dominoes as he rolled Tipon down the corridor. Beckford had to remind himself to calm his mind and to focus on the joy he brought to patients with his talent. He regained his composure and began his serenade.
Not every day can be a perfect day for Beckford, but he makes so many people smile with his natural vocal gift. Another patient, Vera Vincentini, said of him, “He’s not just a man that transports us,” she said. “He makes us happy. He makes our day bright.” Though Beckford may not be a doctor, he certainly offers patients a special kind of healing.
Patricia Lynn is a senior writer at Shareably. Patricia is based out of San Francisco and can be reached at hi@shareably.net.
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Acts of Kindness
Son of bride runs up to alter at mom’s wedding with one ‘big’ request for groom
He wanted to make them an official family.
Elijah Chan
05.27.24
Leslie’s journey to finding love wasn’t straightforward, but it led her to an unexpected place.
She met Matt at a country concert when she was a single mom with a one-year-old son named Jason.
As they enjoyed the music, sparks flew, and an undeniable connection began to form.
Leslie, with her hands full balancing motherhood and her personal life, wasn’t necessarily looking for a relationship, but Matt’s presence quickly became a pivotal part of her life.
Matt, who had never dated anyone with a child, found himself diving into a new world.
Instead of shying away from the responsibilities and realities of dating a single mom, he embraced them wholeheartedly.
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Through Jason, he discovered the simple joys of childhood again.
Whether it was playing with toys, reading bedtime stories, or exploring the local park, Matt’s bond with Jason grew just as quickly as his relationship with Leslie.
Their connection strengthened, and soon, the couple welcomed a daughter, Emily, into their lives.
Their family began to take shape, but as Jason grew older, he started to notice differences that sparked questions in his young mind.
At the age of five, Jason couldn’t help but wonder about his place in this evolving family dynamic, particularly why his baby sister shared Matt’s last name while he did not.
This innocent curiosity led to a profound and touching moment at Leslie and Matt’s wedding.
The ceremony wasn’t just a celebration of Leslie and Matt’s love; it was also a tribute to the deep bond that had formed between Matt and Jason.
Leslie often reminisced about those early days, recalling the close relationship and shared adventures that had made Matt such an integral part of their lives.
As the wedding day unfolded, an unexpected yet heartwarming event occurred.
Jason, filled with determination and love, approached Matt at the altar holding a packet of papers decorated with pictures and drawings.
Those moments were the foundation of their family, a testament to the love and effort Matt had put into being there for both Leslie and Jason.
In the end, Jason’s request and Matt’s heartfelt acceptance became a symbolic moment, representing the solidified foundation of their family built on love and laughter.
For Jason, writing a new last name on his school papers wasn’t just about having the same surname as his sister; it was about the deep emotional significance of belonging and being part of a family that was bound together not just by blood, but by love and commitment.