The Internet Is A Puddle Of Tears Watching An 88-Year-Old Woman With Alzheimer’s Sing “Dreaming Of A Little Cabin” With Her Son

Music connects us all. We often hear that phrase, but it’s not always apparent in our day to day lives, especially when we’re constantly isolated in our headphones. While we of course have different music interests, for the most part, everyone loves music. It’s a common thread that ties us all together, crossing language barriers, cultural barriers, even babies who are unable to speak a word yet will wiggle along to the beat of the music.

A viral video on TikTok is reminding the internet of this bond and that no matter your age, phase of life, or illness you might be overcome with, music truly brings us all together.

A man on TikTok named Kelly Ridings has captured the hearts of social media users after sharing a video of his mother and him singing. His mother has Alzheimer’s, but has not forgotten her passion for music, and that is how she reconnects with her son.

“Mom is 88 now. She’s in assisted living and has Alzheimer’s, but she can still play and sing better than anyone in my eyes. I realized while I was singing with her tonight, I had never videoed us singing together, so I captured a couple of songs for posterity. Most days I miss her, but she always comes back to me when we sing.”

The woman with perfectly kept hair sits in a chair with an acoustic guitar and asks her son if they will sing again after he sets up the camera to record. Without missing a beat, the mother and son strike up the bluegrass gospel song “Dreaming Of A Little Cabin.”

Written by Albert Brumley, Wade Mainer originally recorded the tune in the 1950s but it has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bill Monroe, Carl & Pearl Butler, Porter Wagoner, Mac Wiseman, The Isaacs, and more. While there are many versions of the song, some of my favorites are the duets, as the female and male harmonies add depth to the traditional lyrics.

The mother and son do just that, flawlessly delivering the song’s lyrics. The acoustic-led melody provides perfect support as the mother and son sing, letting their vocals shine.

“In dreams of yesterday I wander back to my little cabin door
I strolled beside an old rock garden and saw familiar scenes once more
I heard the organ softly playing its music came so sweet and low
And I heard my mother softly saying as she did so many years ago

(I was dreaming of a litttle cabin when I heard somebody called my name
I looked and saw a sweet old lady I did seem I was a child again
She gently put her arms around me and kissed her little boy once more
And I knew it was the same sweet mother that have kissed me many times before.)”

It’s clear they have done this a time or two because their performance is perfectly polished. The entire time, the two have their eyes locked on each other, ensuring they stay in sync. You can see the joy this moment brings to her son’s face, and his mother looks at peace, singing the traditional country hymn.

Grab the tissues before watching this one.

@bkridingsMom is 88 now. She’s in assisted living and has Alzheimer’s but she can still play and sing better than anyone in my eyes. I realized while I was singing with her tonight, I had never videoed us singing together, so I captured a couple of songs for posterity. Most days I miss her, but she always comes back to me when we sing.♬ original sound – Kelly Ridings

The internet instantly fell in love with this tender moment, overtaking every viewer with emotion. As someone who had a grandparent who suffered from Alzheimer’s, the moments that brought them back to you are so precious. This moment shows how powerful music is and how it connects us even in the most unlikely circumstances.

The comments left on the video agree with that as well.

“This is what TikTok should be about.”

“This is amazing!! I play in nursing homes and assisted living all the time. Music is the magic that gives back.”

“Music is so powerful, thanks for sharing, bro.”

“Beautiful. My tears are flowing.”

“Amen. What a Blessing.”

“Beautiful! Cherish that time with her.”

“Got this old man crying over here.”

“She sings perfect harmony!”

“I cried through most of this video. Thank you for sharing.”

Music is such a powerful thing.

If you liked that video, Kelly shared another video of his mother and him singing “Poor Wayfaring Pilgrim.” Check it out before you go.

@bkridingsOne of my favorite songs from when I was little and my mom and dad sang with a gospel quartet. I hope it speaks to you.

♬ original sound – Kelly Ridings

The post The Internet Is A Puddle Of Tears Watching An 88-Year-Old Woman With Alzheimer’s Sing “Dreaming Of A Little Cabin” With Her Son first appeared on Whiskey Riff.