Sirirod Hospital

Saying "Let me help you," is not the same as asking "How can I help you?"

Today we spent the day at the Sirirod Hospital. Before we took the van over to Bangkok, we rehearsed the Thai music with the Thai students. Lilly, Becca and I paired off with SPeak, who taught us how to correctly sing several of the Thai songs we have been learning. It was great to get some individual time with her because she is adorable and amazing! We also sang some American songs (mostly Jason Mraz) with Link while he showed me some awesome guitar tricks. I am really glad we are getting to know the Thai students better. By the end of these five weeks we will be great friends!

After arriving at the hospital, we immediately went to the 7th floor to do our session with the adults in short term chemo therapy. The large room had many comfortable looking arm chairs, all filled with patients that were very still. We set up our music stand in the center of the room facing them, and SPeak introduced us to the group. We sang quite a few songs, Thai and American. The patients perked up quite a bit. Some even made requests for songs or recorded us. Even though our Thai was EXTREMELY shaky, the patients were very gracious when we left, saying "Khap Kun Ka" the whole time we made our way out of the room.

The next session at the hospital we only observed. A group of children/teenagers who found out today that they have cancer, were gathered in a particular area of the hospital to have their heads shaved. I'm not sure what the rest of their day consisted of, but the nurses said they hadn't seen them smile once (which is understandable).

However, watching the music therapy session was like watching the sun rise. The kids were able to feel like kids again as they participated in the activities and sang songs together. Yoshi and May did a wonderful job leading the session because they are both so fun. Seeing the kids smile and laugh under their circumstances really proved to me the power of music.

Sirirod Hospital, view from the bridge over the river. The king (because he's over 80 years old) lives there!