I do work hard to get these programs going. But here is the result. We have those who are blind, in wheelchairs, suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) depression, all sorts. My favorite quote thus far was from a guy who really struggles from severe depression. He said, "On a scale from 1-10, today was a 30. It feels so good to get out of bed and into the mountains..." Ahh... a recreation therapist's dream.
Today was just as comparable. A man who self-admitted due to repeated suicide attempts came to our creative arts group this morning and I had the privilege of placing his very first canvas in his hands. He laughed, "I get a canvas? My own canvas?" It was so sweet, like a canvas was gold. I started him out saying, "So just know that with acrylics, you can't mess up." "No," he retorted, "I can mess up." And the way he said it, I knew the sentence was heavy with meaning. Father of four, heroin addict...it doesn't match up well.
We chose a picture for him to use as a model, we put a paintbrush in his hand, and he was gone... seriously gone... as if he was born in paint. The group watched in awe as this man's natural talent took shape on this golden canvas. "Can I come back and do this again?" he asked. I almost choked on my yes, it was so huge. That question denotes a future.
I love my job.
11 comments:
Just for all those working with sensitive populations, I did get permission to take and share these pictures.
I was close to tears reading this, and had to read about the man and his painting out loud to Erik. You have a beautiful "saving the world/saving souls" job. I admire and currently envy you so... (Although I know that raising the next generation fits into the same category. It's hard to remember from diaper change to diaper change.)
Only you - oh beautiful you - could do something so phenomenal with such fun and flair. God bless you Em!
I am moved by the story of your painter. Thanks for sharing this.
What is the connection between art and addiction? I don't understand it, but I see it so often in the kids at work.
I'm not surprised at your description of your day at the office because that is who you are. You did the same kind of thing for me.... Now I think I can step back far enough to realize that what you did for me was because you are a simply a caring person who loves healing those in pain. I didn't realize that it was simply because of who you are and what I was, not necessarily because of Who I was.
Hope we can still be friends.
Wow! Wow wow wow.
I love that I surround myself with people who have these experiences.
I was so looking forward to reading about that fab party you attended Friday night and seeing the pics of myself in intense yoga relaxation. How much longer do I have to wait for that blog, lest we forget?
what do you mean by what is the connection between art and addiction Paul?
Em -------
INCREDIBLE.
you done good. Real good girl, the snow looks so exhilarating.
keep it up! There's a lot of paintings to be made! I know you know that. but it's fun to say.
I guess I just see so many artistic kids that are addicts that it seems like there might be a connection. It also seems like there is a disproportionate percentage of famous artists that became addicts. Maybe it's just a stereotype or maybe I would see the same artistic propensities in kids outside of a treatment setting too if I had more exposure.
I wonder if there is a sensitivity in some artists that creates a greater tendency to numb themselves with substances. Any one else have thoughts about it? I’m not making a negative judgment, I’m just curious.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
yeah. wow.
heart!!!
Em, my nose is stinging and my eyes blurred with tears. Why do I just believe you are in the perfect place right now?
PS I feel so honored to have personally seen the inner sanctum of your work space... tee hee
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