Blessed Are They

I strongly believe that more often than not, the giver quickly becomes the receiver. What I mean by this is the act of giving soon becomes a gift in itself. In every experience I’ve had in volunteering, I’ve always come away with the distinct feeling of receiving so much more than what I gave because of the warmth and kindness shown to me by those I work for. This year thus far has been no exception to this observation. Though my community and I strive to serve those around us, I cannot help but to acknowledge and be grateful for the many gifts bestowed upon us during our time here. To elaborate on all would produce a book, so I will describe three.

Community. Mondays and Tuesdays I work with Natalie at Siena House- a shelter for women who are either pregnant or have an infant, and over these past few months I have come to hold great respect for these women. There are 29 women who live in the house, and although some grew up similarly in the Bronx, all the women have very different stories, personalities, likes and dislikes. No one woman is the same; however, all the women are united by one factor: the love they have for their children. They adore their babies, work to give their children a future, and everyday, unite as a community because of this common thread. I have seen these women care for their children, care for each other’s children, and comfort, push, and care for each other, all striving for one common goal. Their care, self-sacrifice, and sense of community have helped me to understand how to turn “me” into “we” and grow within my own gift of community.

Acceptance. Wednesday through Friday I am blessed to work in a daycare/preschool with children three and four years old. Needless to say, everyday is an adventure, but I have never worked a day there without feeling accepted and welcomed into their lives. I feel as though the older we get, the more we expect from people, and I know I, at least, forget to appreciate the mere presence of those around me. These kids have reminded me of what I should be thankful for. They don’t care what you look like or what you own. They accept you for who you are, and appreciate the time you spend with them. They love you just for being a part of their lives. I honestly believe, like the giver becomes the receiver, the teacher is really the student, and I have a lot to learn from these children.

Compassion. Not a day has gone by in the Bronx that I have not seen this blessing. The women show it to each other at Siena House by listening to a new resident’s struggles. The kids show it through their heartfelt concern if someone is crying on the playground. One day, a woman who had next to nothing showed it by donating what she could because she “never knew when life may take a turn and she could use some help too.” Compassion, I have learned, is what keeps us human in the society we live in today, and my daily experiences serve to remind my why I am here.

My work here has been my greatest joy. I love the sense of community, the open acceptance, and compassion for others- and those are only a few of the many graces brought into my life. I only hope within this year, I am able to give back a portion of what has graciously been bestowed upon me and remember to pass these gifts on wherever I may go.