I have just completed my, three and a half month long, Latitudes adventure, in Los Angeles. In retrospect it was one of the best experiences that I have ever had. I have been volunteering, Monday through Thursday, for about 7 hours a day at the Childrens Hospital in LA. More specifically I had the privilege to work in the Arts program. So I had the unique opportunity to come in each day and hang out with the most amazing kids and just play music and draw. The idea is that this is the only program in the whole hospital that really allows the children to escape from whatever reason it is that has brought them in. It is the only place where In-Patients do not have to think about meds, surgeries, and rehabbing. The rest of the hospital is a constant reminder of why you are here, but this program offers children the opportunity to let go of all that emotional stress, if only for a little while.
In the mornings I would coordinate with, a long time employee of this program, Carlos and hammer out a plan for the kids. Often times we would have large arts and crafts projects with a theme of whatever was going on at the time. For example all during December we were mainly doing holiday inspired crafts. Along with that we would figure out a way to incorporate music as well. We would go up to a room in the building referred to as the “Creative Oasis”. This is where all the magic happens. This is where Carlos and I, head up to in the morning and hangout with the kids. In the morning it is just he and I, but by the afternoon it is filled with other music and art therapists and usually around twenty to thirty kids. It can at times get rather hectic but most of the times we were able to keep it organized.
As a volunteer they strongly advised me to not create any relationships with the children beyond making their time in the Creative Oasis, fantastic. This is because it is not professional and it is not conducive to making them feel better. When I first got here I agreed and understood where they were coming from. I did not think it would be a problem. But after spending so much time with the amazing children of CHLA, I found that I had not done what I said I would. When I finished last week I realized I had made a real connection with a lot of these kids and it’s hard to just say goodbye.
I really enjoyed each day at the hospital and I have to say it was because of the company. Between the children and all of the people in the Artist program at CHLA, they really made my experience a good one. They made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived and their generosity was certainly not lost on me.
As brutal as it was to say goodbye, I wouldn’t trade my time spent at CHLA for anything. They are great people with big hearts who made me a better person just for having spent time with them.
None of this could have been possible without Carpe Diem and the Latitudes program. I will never forget the experiences you have given me. You made this easily the best year of my life and I will always be appreciative of that. Thank you!
Neil Arnet