How a harmonica made magical family memories

A love of music that began in concentration and displaced persons camps in Austria has become a lifelong companion for Juniper John Bryant resident Elizabeth Thomason. After arriving in Australia as a refugee under the Snowy Mountains Scheme, Elizabeth carried that connection, with her harmonica playing now creating special moments of connection and joy for her family at Juniper John Bryant Residential Aged Care Home.

Elizabeth, who has called John Bryant home for the past two years, hailed from a highly musical Polish family that turned to music, song and dance during World War II.

Her family often came together over song, dance and music, namely the banjo, the ukulele, tapping spoons, piano accordion and the harmonica.

Elizabeth developed a natural passion, teaching herself the piano accordion and harmonica which she rolled out for family gatherings throughout her life.

While her abilities have faded over the past year as she lives with dementia, she has found her skill still residing when she has a harmonica companion, like her brother Sig.

Sig recently travelled from Sydney to spend six days in Perth to visit and be with Elizabeth daily to reconnect and find ways to communicate that was not reliant on language. The two hadn’t been together for seven years.

For Elizabeth and Sig’s reunion, along with 13 other members of the family, Juniper John Bryant staff organised a small gathering over lunch, and the next day dedicating the activity room for the larger family gathering complete with long table and piano.

“John Bryant staff have enabled us to experience the most precious reunion of brother and sister and given them opportunities to communicate through music,” Elizabeth’s daughter Barbara Palmisano said.

“We had the most memorable and magical time together.

“I have profound videos of them playing a Polish Polka and a moment where Mum went solo, and together playing You are my Sunshine.

“Furthermore, Mum tapped into a hidden ability to spontaneously play solo for a time. It was quite the remarkable thing to witness.”