Music has a special way of reaching us deep down, far beyond words. It can make us smile, bring tears to our eyes, give us courage, and make us think. Just a single song can turn a bad day around, ease worries, and remind us that we’re not alone.
Lindon Beckford, a patient transporter at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, knows this well. Since he was a young boy, Lindon has been singing. For him, it doesn’t matter where he is; he just wants to spread comfort, both for himself and for others, 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 shared. “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.”
Once he saw the effect his voice had, he started making it a part of his daily work. Now, after more than 30 years in the same hospital, he’s perfected a unique way to bring a little peace to his patients. As he moves through the hospital halls, he sings. And not just any songs—Lindon listens carefully to each patient, adjusting his tunes to bring them what they need most in that moment.
“Depending on the conversation that I hear… is the patient in pain? What song can I sing to relieve them?” he explained, describing his thoughtful approach. He finds it so meaningful when patients share their gratitude. “At the end, when I get them to their procedure or back to their room, they’ll say, ‘You know, you made this trip from here to there so much easier because of your singing.’”
One day, Lindon was transporting a patient to the catheter lab. As he sang, something amazing happened—the patient started singing too, harmonizing with him. “I remember the first time a patient joined in with me. I was like, ‘Oh wow!’ It was so amazing,” he recalled, still surprised by the memory. Since then, other patients have joined in as well, making these moments even more unforgettable.
For his patients, Lindon’s voice is more than a song. It’s a comfort, a gentle reminder that someone cares. When they feel nervous, unsure, or scared, his voice becomes a calm, steady presence by their side, reassuring them that everything is going to be okay.
Check out the video below to hear Lindon’s voice in action. His story is a beautiful reminder that even a simple act of kindness can make all the difference.
Thank you, Lindon Beckford, for showing us the power of music and compassion. Share your thoughts in the comments!
