There’s something magical about music that goes beyond what we hear. It has the power to move us in ways that are hard to explain. A good song can lift us up, give us courage, bring us peace, and even help us face hard times. When we’re feeling anxious, the right melody can be like a gentle hand on our shoulder, reminding us that we’re not alone.
Lindon Beckford, a patient transporter at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, understands this magic. He’s been singing since he was a boy, and for him, music is more than just a pastime; it’s his way of making the world a kinder place. For Lindon, it doesn’t matter where he is—as long as he can bring comfort to others and himself through his voice.
“I was always singing at work. I was always singing as a child growing up, so it was just a natural thing,” Lindon said, explaining how his singing became part of his everyday life. “It was more for a comforting thing… so I did that just to comfort myself, but all of a sudden I got to realize people were listening to me.”
Realizing how his singing affected others, Lindon began singing regularly as part of his job. Over 30 years at the hospital, he’s learned to tailor each song to his patient’s mood, finding the perfect song to help soothe their fears. He listens closely to his patients and responds in a way that feels almost instinctive.
“Depending on the conversation that I hear… is the patient in pain? What song can I sing to relieve them?” he explained. For many patients, his singing becomes a bright spot during a difficult time. “At the end, when I get them to their procedure or back to their room, they’ll tell me, ‘You know, you made this trip so much easier because of your singing.’”
One day, while transporting a woman to the catheter lab, he started singing softly. She surprised him by joining in, harmonizing with him in perfect unison. “I remember the first time a patient joined in with me, and I was like, ‘Oh wow!’ It was such an amazing moment,” he said with a smile. “That’s happened a few times since, and it always surprises me.”
In a world where patients often feel nervous or afraid, Lindon’s singing provides a much-needed sense of calm. His voice tells them they’re not alone, even in an unfamiliar place. For Lindon, his music is an expression of love and kindness, and for his patients, it’s a gift they’ll never forget.
Watch the video below to experience Lindon’s voice and the comfort he brings to everyone around him.
Thank you, Lindon Beckford, for sharing your heart through song! Leave your thoughts and appreciation in the comments!
