Spring 2010 - La Puente Home

and unfortunately because of various circumstances, PALS children have
learned this lesson much earlier in life than most do. But what amazes
me most is the resilience I see in each one of them. Each day they show
me what it means to succeed in life. I have to point out that our PALS
definition of success may be different than the rest of society’s definition.
For PALS staff, success might mean that Audrey sat down in circle time
without crying or that Carlos was able to make a full sentence while
asking for snack. What matters is that for them, they are improving and
growing in their self esteem and interactions with others.
Being a volunteer staff member, I learn from the children how to be a
better person and recognize what is really important in life. I can safely
say that I would not be the same person without each one of them in my
life. Sure, there are times when I get frustrated or think that I’ll go insane
if I have to hear one more Hannah Montana
song, but the benefits of being allowed into the
lives of these amazing children far outweighs
the hardships. Volunteering at PALS may not
have been what I expected, but it is the most
worthwhile adventure I have ever been on.
At the end of the day when its least
expected, a piece of crumpled paper
from the PALS floor will contain
sometimes simple and sometimes
beautiful words. The sort of words
only kids can seem to write. Above
is one such piece of crumpled paper.
The cardboard totems where part of “Weaving it Together: The
Spirits, Totems, and Watercolor Weavings of PALS,” an art show in
Luther Bean Museum at Adams State College.
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