End of Life Massage

In the fall of 08 I was called upon to do a massage on a women suffering from cancer, as a favor to a my client wanting to do something nice for her friend. I accepted the honor not knowing the extent or progression of her cancer. I was soon to find out.
I mentally and physically prepared myself before the appointment. It was the only massage I booked for that day.
Upon arriving I took a long deep clearing breath on the harvest decorated porch. Rang the bell and waited....
My client Nancy answered the door and thanked me for coming. The house was quite and smelled of warm memories. Beautiful green healthy plants adorned the upstairs front window in the living room. I set up my table there. Nancy told me her friend was very weak and frail and has some lesions on her back she is embarrassed of. Nancy covered the lesions with a washcloth and surgical tape. I said I understood and asked Nancy if she would she help me help her on the table.
Noreen walks into the room and introduces herself. She apologies several times for her slow and belabored movements. I let her know right off the bat that I was there for her and I will make this experience a comfortable and enjoyable one. Nancy assures her that I was the best and have worked with cancer patients before. With Noreen on the table Nancy makes her exit.
I asked Noreen what it was I could do for her. She told me that she likes her hands and feet massaged. I asked her if she has ever had a professional massage before. She said no but was very excited to have her first and what would be only massage. Noreen's hearing was not good. I imagine it was the pain medication. This was not going to be easy she was so sick and obviously in terrible pain. I again asked Noreen what I could do for her and more specifically what she would like my intention to be for her for this massage. "Do you want me to help you let go or do you want to remain present?" "Oh no she says I am very much present and want to stay that way" I honored her request.
Noreen breathed in deep gasps the air rattled in her chest and a gurgling sound vibrated her throat. At times there was an odor I could not put my finger on. I dabbed lavender oil under my nose. I continued the massage her skin was so paper thin.
Thoughts started to flood my head like...The will to live is so strong even in the presence of death! Why would you want to stay present here being so sick. I pushed these thoughts away during the massage and have comtemplated them often since.
I helped Noreen turn over to massage her back the washcloth covering the broken skin on her shoulders had shifted. I did my best to cover them back up but the tape that once held the washcloth in place would not adhere. Then I knew the smell of rotting flesh. I could have cried but I stayed grounded. The smell in the room was totally unavoidable now. At one point I thought she was asleep or as close to rest as she could be; then her heart rate increased and I knew she was having a hard time breathing. The words were on my tongue to suggest we should end now when Noreen beat me to it. I helped her up to a sitting position and got her some water. She moved to the couch and Nancy came back into the room.
Noreen thought the massage was wonderful and was genuinely appreciative. I thought Noreen was a graceful person, wise and older then her years. She said she would like another massage one day. Noreen did not want to die. She offered to make tea and asked if I cared for a cup. I could not stay I had to get home. All I wanted to do was go home and see my family and take a good look at what I have. I appreciated the offer but I was spent. I ran out of there although I did not want to seem that way.
Back in my car I took a deep breath and thanked God for the strength and said a pray for Noreen.
Noreen had her massage on a Thursday, she passed away on Saturday the same week.
I was honored to give Noreen a massage.
I hope to meet again someday too Noreen!

Massaging The Masters of Metal

I was subcontracted to perform table and chair massage backstage at the Tweeter Center in Camden NJ for The Masters of Metal Tour. What a blast! Besides the fact that I have never been backstage before at a concert let along meeting some old school Rockers. The bands on tour are; Testament, Heaven & Hell, MotorHead & Judas Priest. I was right back in 1987 when these bands were popular for me and we wore black tee-shirts and big hair with tight pants & wigwams. Good Times Good Times.

Back in 2008 with stardust flying around it was just another day at work for most. Backstage people were mellow, some looked soooo tired. Their work is hard setting up the stage, lighting, sound etc. Amazing the coordination and meeting of the minds of the production teams, Live Nation, Band Managers, Band Members.

One of the most important members of the team, in my opinion, I met; the Tour Bus Driver. 18 hours straight from Minnesota to NJ to then help set up for opening night this dude really needed a massage. He was my longest client of the night topping off at 35 minutes for a table massage.

My partner in massage for the evening was Gina. I love Gina she knows whats up. How to work a crowd and similar motivated attitude. We figured since were both here why not double up on the massages. So when Billy from MotorHead got off stage he came for a massage. He complained of neck pain from headbanging and low back pain. This was one of the biggest dudes I had ever worked on. Gina and I both went to town on the Monster of Metal.

Everyone was generous and polite and we did have some great background music to boot.
Tracey from Live Nation was our contact person and she was happy with the services provided! Yes! I hope to continue to massage at the show!

Plan Your Party Wisely

When buying a car do you drive to any lot see a car and say I'll take it? Do you shop around first before driving onto a lot? I think most of us do. The same goes for choosing a mobile spa, massage therapist, skin care specialist or any professional. Creditability is the key.

Here are a few key questions to ask when planning a Spa Party. How long has the business been up and running? Ask for references and view testimonials. Are the therapists insured and how long have they been practicing? Call several companies first to see which spa party company offers the most value for your dollar. They are not all the same.