the things they leave behind

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.