Vikrum Ingle’s Post

For the past few years, my father-in-law, Don (on the left), and I have taken an uncomfortable yet rewarding risk: singing Christmas carols at his mother's nursing home. After nearly 30 years, Don picked up a guitar again, role-modeling his characteristic humility and devotion to service. He organized us—including his brother-in-law (middle) — to perform about an hour’s worth of holiday tunes. Watching the residents’ faces light up to “Frosty the Snowman,” or their joy when my 10-year-old played “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” on the saxophone was a true gift. The highlight, though, might have been getting heckled by a former fourth-grade teacher for my beautiful sweater. Grandma J recently turned 95. She and her friends face cognitive decline, depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Playing songs from their youth restores their dignity and joy, bringing smiles even to the least responsive residents. Being with them is a powerful reminder that our work in Johnson & Johnson #Neuroscience is not just important—it’s urgent. It may soon be our friends, our family, or our parents in these places. I’m fired up—we have to do more and we have to do it faster. Thanks Don McMillin for this incredible gift. This season, I’m grateful for the time with those I love, those who love me, and for the pause to reflect on how we can do more for anyone in need. Happy holidays to all of you! #mycompany #holiday #neuroscience