Monday, July 03, 2006
Count Your Blessings
"I have found that if you love life,life will love you back." Arthur Rubinstein
I have recently unwittingly returned back to the work force part time. I am a Social Worker by trade, and the opportunity arose for me to work with young teenaged girls who have exhausted all of their options. Many have exhausted foster home placements, youth centers, group homes...let's face it-they have no more options. Many girls have been in over 50 foster home placements during the duration of their short lives and yes...they are angry.
I have been working with the same young lady for the past 2 months, and have started to build a rapport with her. She has been in care since a very young age. Her mother passed away, and her father became a chronic alcoholic. The family is from the reserve, and all 9 brothers and sisters have been in care most of their short lives.
Last evening, we stayed home and she was more talkative than usual. I think she was high, but I can't prove it. She asked me the question "what kind of a life do I have?" I responded by asking her what type of a life she thought she had (I know, I know, close the text book). She said she didn't know and wanted to know what I thought. She surprised me by saying she thought she was spoiled living in hotels month in, month out and not in school or working. I had never seen it from that perspective before. She said it's really no life for a person. She really feels lonely, with no parents or family.
Although my heart was breaking, because I know how tough things have been for her, I proceeded by telling her how lucky she actually is. I told her when life throws you a curve, you have to stop and count your blessings. No matter who you are, some people have it better, but there are also many that are not as fortunate.
I told her, Let's Count Your Blessings:
Not many teenagers have maid service everyday to clean your room.
Not many teenagers have caregivers around the clock providing care to keep you safe, healthy and off of the streets.
A clean place to sleep.
A clean safe place to stay.
A chef on site to cook healthy, nutritious meals made to order any time you feel hungry.
You are not starving.
Your laundry is done for you each week.
You have a telephone, television and plenty of movies at your disposal whenever you want.
Your doctors and dental appointments are all made for you on a regular basis, and people escort and drive you to all of your appointments.
You have regular outings scheduled for you, and a free membership pass to the YMCA.
You have your health. Many people do not.
You have your religion and your culture. She is of Aboriginal descent, and still has strong ties to her community.
It's funny how much is taken for granted, unless you stop every once in awhile to smell the roses. Life really is what you make of it-no matter who you are. I really want to thank that young lady for giving me a fresh perspective on the whole matter, and for giving lots of food for thought.
| posted by Warm Fuzzies at 12:17 PM
