Devastation and turmoil hit the quiet old Scottish town of Dunblane in 1996 when a madmen wreaked havoc that left an unforgettable trail of broken and dead bodies: 16 primary school children and their teacher. All these years on, the pain and anguish are still there, but perhaps there is a flicker of optimism on the horizon.
A recent study by the University of Glasgow Caledonia found that people listening to your favourite music felt less physical pain and can stand for a longer period. But what about "emotional" pain?
"Heal the Pain", a song by superstar George Michael, might seem able to alleviate pain and suffering, but is that all in the mind? For years, songs have been lessening our troubles. Numerous, separate facets of our life can be affected by music. In fact, it is more than just a pleasurable resonance.To show how this is the case, even an expectant mum-to-be's heart rate or the timbre of her singing can affect her unborn child.
During schooling, scholars can be affected by music. A person's recollection can be improved solely by the specific aspects and arrangement of the music, resulting in a much speedier uptake by the student of comprehending what is going on. Even in the workplace, melody can enhance what is going on by directly affecting the individual.
Listening to gentle background music can alleviate stress and help increase competence. Music can contribute in healing the body. Numerous studies have been made where people have recovered from severe illnesses and surgeries by listening to music. Melody can have a prevailing effect on the way folks live.
By what about pain of the heart, soul or mind? Can music help make well the pain of the misery of those wretched events like that of Dublane? When catastrophe strikes in such a frightening way then shouldn't it be looked at through the eyes of someone who can help address that pain?
The appalling Dunblane incident has been made into a novel, the lyrically titled tome uses the title of the African-American pop singer-songwriter Johnny Nash's unexpected 1972 hit "I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone".
Radiographer and first time fiction writer George Korankye resides and works in Scotland. In a compassionate manner he has merged the Dunblane heartbreak into a novel. Both Johnny Nash and Warner Chappell have consented to allow the song title to be used for the title of the book.
The author, George Korankye, says, "The novel, although a fictional work, will optimistically lend a hand to inform and motivate the public's awareness in the vital roles of radiographers."
"I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone" by George Korankye has a plethora of song titles featured in the characters' dialogue. These serve as aids in going back to happier days during the plot of the novel. The ending of the novel has a surprise finish to it, perhaps going some way to addressing the question, "Can music heal?
Author Resource:
Newbie fiction writer George Korankye practices in Scotland as a Radiographer, he is a member of the Society and College of Radiographers. He has previously authored a non-fiction reference book on war humour. See the novel "I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone"