|
“It has been satisfying being able to express my emotions through poetry,” says Howard Kirkman, resident of the Nursing Home Care unit at the Bay Pines V.A. Medical Center since 1956. Mr. Kirkman, 81, has had several poems, as well as artwork, published in Veterans’ Voices, a publication dedicated to acknowledging the thoughts and feelings of veterans and building self-esteem through creative expression. Mr. Kirkman is permanently disabled from a diving accident that left him with level C-5 quadriplegia. Despite the physical limitations caused by his spinal cord injury, Howard clearly demonstrates the power of a creative mind set on expressing itself. Howard often uses the written word to connect, and explains how by saying, “I’ve enjoyed writing poems to my wife. It helps me to say things on paper I would be self-conscious about saying to her personally.”
As a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, I have worked with Howard since 1992, and I have seen the positive effects, both mental and physical, of his artful and creative expressions in writing poetry as well as in his painting. (View a painting by Howard Kirkman.)
Clinical studies have demonstrated positive impact of creative expression on the mood of patients, families and the health professionals who care for them. The studies show that exposure to the arts can lead to stress relief, improved communication and positive effects on physical measures such as blood pressure and heart rate. The arts can provide a creative diversion from the reality of illness, while identifying a patient’s previously unexpressed emotional and spiritual needs. This can result in stress reduction and faster healing — and in some cases, a more peaceful death.
“My painting is an expression of what I believe,” stated a 49 year-old VA Medical Center resident who was dying of cancer. The veteran had painstakingly painted a picture, in great detail, of what he believes happens when you die. “As long as you believe, you’re there.” His painting reflected his belief that all people who claim God as the supreme being in their lives would be greeted in heaven by an angel. The painting became a visual reminder of hope for him as his impending death grew near. On a recent visit to our facility, a renowned speaker noted this resident’s creative expression of his beliefs and stated, “this patient’s expression through his painting was the ultimate in self-actualization.”
Through their creations and self-expressions, the lives of our veterans are enhanced and their value affirmed. I think Howard Kirkman said it best, when he reported, “The best part of my life was when I was painting.” When we encourage and provide the means for self-expression, such as publication in Veterans’ Voices, we provide a very powerful acknowledgement to the lives of our nation’s heroes — those men and women who served our country in the Armed Forces.
Editors’ Note: You can see a watercolor painted by Howard Kirkman on page 49 in this issue of Veterans’ Voices.
Stuart Sidell has worked in Recreational Therapy for 22 years, 19 with the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Richmond, Virginia and Bay Pines, Florida. Stuart has a B.S. Degree from Florida State University, M.S. degree from Virginia Commonwealth University with specialization in Therapeutic Recreation, and Graduate Certificate from the Medical College of Virginia in Aging Studies. Clinical experience has included working with acute psychiatry, drug and alcohol dependency, spinal cord injury, sub-acute, and nursing home care unit patients. Stuart is certified with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification and a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Stuart has presented at state, national and international recreational therapy conferences.
|
