The Journey

by Joyce Hamelin, MSW, RSW

I see the fear in her eyes, like a deer caught in headlights.

The baby growing inside was a surprise and the news was not delightful.

How will I finish high school?  How will I do this alone?  Who will hold me?

I am just a child.

The baby screams as the light pierces her eyes. The world is already too harsh for her soul.

How will my mother feed me? How will I finish high school?  Who will hold me?

I am just a child.

I hope she sees the compassion in my eyes, as I lean toward her to reassure, encourage, and to hold her.

I hope the baby feels my delight, as I support her mother to make choices that will benefit them both

And perhaps bring delightful news to another who holds the pain of grief and loss in her eyes.

I am a Social Worker.

I see fear in his eyes, as he tells me the doctor shared the “C” word and dread fills his heart.

Who will take care of my family? How will my wife take this news?  Who will hold her?

I am just a dying man.

I see sorrow in her eyes, as we meet and he tells her, “You will be alone, as you grow old.”

Her eyes look to mine and I see them asking the questions: How will I go on? How will I live? Who will hold me?

I am just a middle-aged woman, soon to be a widow.

I know that they will come to see the answers inside of them, as I come alongside.

They are strong, resilient, and they have lived life. They will move forward through death.

I know, because I have walked this walk before, with others.

I am a Social Worker.

I come to their home to assess their function and to answer the question of capability.

I see the fear in their eyes, as they tell me,

We must stay here, we will not go, please help us stay!

We are just two old people, trying to stay.

I trust that their wisdom will discern - I am on their side. I will advocate, so they can stay.

I am a Social Worker.

I see the confusion, the lost look, the void that the drugs have left on her ravaged young face.

No one loved me. you see. I did not finish high school. No one held me. I felt safe in the void.

I want to come back. Can you help me get back?

There is hope, my eyes say.  I can help you to help yourself.  I believe in change. I believe in you.

I am a Social Worker.

I look in the mirror and I see the compassion in my eyes. I see the strength. I see the opportunities.

I look in the mirror knowing today is another day when I will look in to the eyes of people, just like me.

I take a breath knowing that they, like me, have qualities that only they know about.

I take a breath knowing that they, like me, need someone to walk alongside of them.

I take a breath knowing that they, like me, need to feel valued and heard.

I take a breath knowing that because I am a Social Worker, they will know that

I see them and will walk alongside as they journey, just like me.

I am a Social Worker.

Joyce Hamelin, MSW, RSW, is a practicing social worker living in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  She has practiced social work for 30 years, working with people across the lifespan, prenatally to end of life.