John Cyr of Monmouth sings Tuesday for residents of Oak Park Apartments in Lewiston. “It brings as much joy to me as it does to others and it’s quite therapeutic for me,” he says, referring to his recovery from a serious car accident. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Faces lit up at Oak Park Apartments on Tuesday afternoon as residents of the senior apartment complex in Lewiston listened to songs by Frank Sinatra, Engelbert Humperdinck, Kenny Rogers and other classics. Gathered in the community room, they sang along with John Cyr of Monmouth during his 90-minute concert.

Cyr told them he spent most of his working career in the excavation business, but a serious car accident a few years ago changed the course and direction of his life. The near-death experience reinforced his faith and love of music, which has been instrumental in helping him recover.

“God gets all the glory and provides us with what we need in life and what is truly important,” he said. “It took this accident for me to stop, listen to him, and realize what I really need to be doing.”

Cyr brings his microphone and portable speaker to other groups and organizations in the area. 

John Cyr of Monmouth talks Tuesday with Charlotte Martin after his concert at Oak Park Apartments in Lewiston where she resides. He told them that a serious car accident a few years ago changed the course and direction of his life, reinforcing his faith and love of music, which has been instrumental in his recovery. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

“It brings as much joy to me as it does to others and it’s quite therapeutic for me,” he said.

His cognitive functions are still on the mend. A traumatic brain injury from the accident often grips him with debilitating anxiety and confusion at times. He credits music and performing for others with bringing him out of his fog and anxiousness.

“Having a purpose and knowing I bring joy and spark happy memories for others gives me the motivation to keep going,” he said.

Cyr reads the lyrics from his phone, which is synched to the speaker playing background music.

“I can remember laying on the floor when I was young, watching Elvis movies, so I suppose that may have something to do with it all,” he said. “But now, music is my therapy and I feel it’s a two-way street with those I bring it to. It’s all part of his plan for me and I’m glad I listened.”

Cecile Daniels, center, and others listen Tuesday afternoon as John Cyr of Monmouth sings to residents of Oak Park Apartments in Lewiston. Music has been instrumental in his recovery from a serious car accident a few years ago, he says. “Having a purpose and knowing I bring joy and spark happy memories for others gives me the motivation to keep going.”  Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal