I am with them only for a brief season of time.
We walk together, side by side as I lend an ear, strategy, or perhaps simply hope.
They share with me their energy, their laughter, their pain, their story.
Within what often seems like a brief moment, they are gone.
Their story continues on with me, and mine continues on without them.
But we will never be the same, because for that period of time together, our paths intersected and we grew and changed.
And they always leave something behind.
Often, they leave their words behind.
Sometimes they leave their artwork behind.
Sometimes a lovingly crafted bracelet, a rock, piece of wood, a tissue paper ghost, or smiley face sand art.
Frequently they leave fond memories of laughter, games played, breakthroughs had.
Sometimes, if I am honest, they leave the empty air of relief behind – because this work, this life isn’t always easy.
But no matter what, they leave a piece of time behind. The moments that we were together, sharing a space, sharing a memory, experiencing a shared moment in separate journeys.
Together, they make up pieces of the puzzle that has made me the social worker, and the person that is writing this.
Without them, I am not me. Without me, they are not them.
Be careful with your words, be gentle with your actions. They impact the journey of those are around you – they are what you leave behind.
So true…all of it. I love that you added in that sometimes what they leave if you in relief that they are gone. Because, sometimes, this work can be too much. Sometimes, though – when I'm really lucky, they leave me with the reminder that I do this work for a reason. (Because I can)
So beautifully written..
A wonderful post, very touching!
Beautifully written from the heart. I loved it
Lovely post Jenn. Your heart is in your work!
This was beautiful…and very true.
So beautiful and so true.
That last line really wraps up this post and say a lot (at least for me). Very, very true…
I love this. My favorite post of the day…you will surely have my vote.
You probably don't realize what a huge impact you're having on their lives!
Logic would say that the more lives we touch, the more burdened we become.
And that might be true, maybe a bit.
But it also seems like we also become so much more connected – to others as well as ourselves.
Beautiful post.
I loved this so much. I'm a (former) social worker as well so I felt this post deeply. Thank you.
Beautiful…I wanted to become a social worker at one point in my life…but I wasn't sure I could handle the heavy blanket of emotions and situation I know would weigh on me at the end of every day. I have a tremendous amount of respect for anyone that has worked or works in this field.
Beautiful poem..
Talk about tuggin at the heart strings!!! Beautiful.
If I could impart a slow clap through the Internet, I would. This is amazing. The work you do is amazing, and I so appreciate this post.
That is beautiful!
This line is still resonating with me: "Be careful with your words, be gentle with your actions. They impact the journey of those all around you – they are what you leave behind."
These are words to live by. -Ellen
That is beautiful!
This line is still resonating with me: "Be careful with your words, be gentle with your actions. They impact the journey of those all around you – they are what you leave behind."
These are words to live by. -Ellen
So beautiful! I love the gifts they have given you. The shells are my favorite.
Aww, sad and sweet at the same time.
You are most welcome. I only speak the truth. Check out my blog I think you would enjoy reading my posts are thoughts and feelings
alonglifepath.com
Jenn, this was beautiful. I see that you are a social worker – I always wonder about the emotional toll on a social worker esp. one who deals with kids. There was a tinge of sadness to this post and of happiness too – beautiful.
I just loved this and I am a big fan of the belief of choosing and using words carefully. Nicely done!
Beautiful. This post is very deep – when you just read into and not over "smiley face sand art".
This is lovely, and so very profound. Each one of us touches the lives of those around us; how much more so for someone in your profession or for other caregivers.
I think I'll tattoo it on the back of my hand: keep the gentleness in your words.
Thank you for sharing!
Trishhttp://contemplatinghappiness.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-this-face-or-what.html
Love this! Every word. We impact so many in such delicate ways…ways that we sometimes don't even realize. I have a feeling you leave a great deal behind with them as well.
Great post!
Kind posts make me smile. This was lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Very true, indeed!
I truly don't know how you do it. A labor of love to the greatest degree
I'm so glad you do the work you do. You make people matter, and by writing these stories, you make them matter more. YOU matter. Thank you.