For 11 years, Ray Lerer has spent part of each weekend in the shadow of Turner Field. While most people trekking to the neighborhood are headed to a ballgame, Lerer’s destination is the modest 2-story brick building that houses Our Lady of Perpetual Help hospice on the Pollard Boulevard side of the stadium.
Lerer first found the home for terminal cancer patients when a friend was admitted and he visited with his guitar to play some Willie Nelson tunes to cheer up the patient. The music was so well received that the Vinings attorney made performing a regular part of his week. Though his friend died, the songs went on.
“I am no professional musician; I’m just an amateur guitar player,” says Lerer. “I’m one of those Beatle-era types who learned to play the guitar, a self-taught person. I occasionally have played in public, and I do write songs, but music has always been an avocation, something nice to share. And it was something I could continue to do for other patients.”
The informal recitals take place at the bedsides of patients who welcome Lerer to play. He always asks them about their favorite songs and digs into a tote bag full of music books to find something that suits and soothes. On a recent Sunday afternoon, Lerer toted his Gibson guitar into patient rooms, settled in a chair by a bed and broke into show and folk tunes. Patients may ask for hymns or classics, and on occasion, Lerer has performed his own compositions. Sometimes he accompanies himself on the harmonica, mounted to a brace around his neck. Whatever the requests, Lerer does his best to oblige.
“I always try to do what they like,” he said. “Sometimes, patients don’t want me to play, but for most of them, the music is a kind of balm. It seems like it helps their coping and healing. I hope it’s helpful to them.”
While Lerer’s music serves first to support the patients, it’s also his gift to the hospice, a free Catholic home that has been run by the Hawthorne Dominican Sisters since 1939. Most of the patients are not Catholic and cannot afford to pay, and the home is supported by donations.
“I feel that I’m part of the team of volunteers who visit,” he said. “There are other people who come with pets. Students from Georgia Tech’s band have been there. Groups from churches also come in.”
Through the years, Lerer has developed relationships with many of the patients, some of whom remain at the hospice for months.
“Unfortunately, many of them pass away, and it’s very hard when you get to know someone and then suddenly, they’re gone,” he said. “That part is really the hardest about coming here. But I do keep coming. I’m not the greatest at singing or playing the guitar, but they appreciate it. For me, it’s a good feeling to go down there and do something.”
Every other Wednesday, H.M. Cauley brings you positive stories from our community. To suggest a story idea, call 770-744-3042 or e-mail hm_cauley@yahoo.com.
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