The boys at Edgewood Children’s Home
had all been emotionally traumatized or
physically abused. Some of their parents
had been murdered in front of their eyes.
That’s a terrifying way for any child to ex-
perience life.
When I came to Edgewood in 1989 as a
volunteer, I was told by the therapist in
charge that the boys would not easily
accept me because they had a problem
with trust. Some of them were wary of
adult intentions; others were afraid
getting too close for fear being aban-
doned once again. Volatile, they were
likely to act out at any time.
The counselor asked me, was I sure I could
handle explosive situations which potentially
may arise? I’ve had my own childhood PTSD
issues, I told him. I’m a recovering alcoholic,
and have had therapy myself. I understand,
and will do the best I can.
Fine then, he told me. When can you begin with
your art classes? I’m sure most of the boys will
eventually come around to appreciate them.
Today, right away, I told him. And I can come
by after work once or twice a week. Great, he
said. Let me introduce you to our counselors
and the boys.
And so it began. I worked with the boys one
at a time individually. They picked a favorite
subject and we pained murals on the drab
institutional cinder-block walls. Oh there
were occasional temperamental flare-ups,
but we managed to find a patient and toler-
able relief in our work.
Art makes no promises. Like any other
activity there are no guarantees. But for
the most part it is enjoyable and offers
a world of possibilities. One satisfying
and shining light for the boys in our work
together was the hope that they may have
at least one gratifying and positive reawak-
ening in life with which to explore. I know
I had such an experience myself creating
new worlds of our better imaginings with
each of them.
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Chris Hanch 1-31-2021
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