A small child touched my heart in a way I have never felt before. I spent this past week working in another volunteer’s classroom. Within the first day the little boy connected with me instantly. He is known for being angry, hitting himself, and screaming when he is touched. For some reason my voice and touch calmed him. I got him to smile and laugh which is very rare. It didn’t see like much, but knowing his history made it a huge landmark for him in growth. I decided to spend the rest of the week working with the little boy. The next day I went straight in to find the little boy to see what progress I could make with him. He once again was all smiles and giggles. I noticed he especially loved when I sang to him Spanish lullabies. It made his smile stretch from ear to ear. I sat with him for a while and continued to sing until recess. When I returned he was screaming, rolling around, and very unhappy. I sat down next to him and he twisted and pushed himself around until he was fully in my lap. He calmed down immediately, only for his teacher to come over and say ‘no, he needs alone time’. I felt so horrible getting up and leaving him when he so badly needed and wanted the comfort.
Sadly Wednesday was a struggle for him. Know matter what anyone did for him he was very unhappy. I still continued to try and comfort him despite his resistance. I left that afternoon feeling slightly discourage, but I reminded myself that one bad day means nothing when I had given him two great days. I decided not to let it ruin the following day, as it was my last day with him. I was glad I stuck with him because he was once again very happy. I sang and held the little boy for most of the day. He was so happy Thursday that he ate half of his lunch without a single fuss. He hates food so much that he usually screams and spits it out right away. The nurses and I were all shocked by this sudden success. As it was the last day of school the kids had a celebration. The little boys mom had come in for it and was shocked. When she walked in her son was in my arms smiling. She explained how much he hates being touched and needs a lot of love. His mom was so thankful that he was getting, and accepting, attention from me. It made me so happy to see her overjoyed. For me, it validated why I am studying to be a physiologist. It’s for the little moments when I can bring joy and understanding to a child’s life despite all of the dark surrounding them. I left the hospital for one final time with a full heart, and tears in my eyes. I will forever remember how I touched the little boys heart, and how he touched mine.
