Story Keepers

painting by S.G.
4-16-08

“Their story, yours and mine –

it’s what we all carry with us on this trip we take,

and we owe it to each other to respect our stories

and learn from them.”

William Carlos Williams

I have been a professional social worker for 17 years. Sometimes I have received praise and at other times I have been given constructive criticism. While I remain open to feedback and insight, my goal and purpose in this work has been to try the best I can to make a positive difference...a difference for others'...completely removed from self need or interest. I do this work because I was raised to see and believe that this is just the right thing to do...to give back, for no other reason than to give back.

The greatest compliment I have ever received over all these years came yesterday, from a respected colleague, at a staff retreat..."You are the keeper of stories. Thank you."

If I never did another day of social work, I would hold this comment as the highest compliment and feel that I had accomplished the deepest truth of what social work is. The greatest honor in the world is when someone offers to even share a glimpse of their narrative. With gratitude I try to hold each and every story, attempting and yearning to see the beauty, integrity and value behind the story tellers' STORY.

May I always be granted the privilege of hearing, learning, and holding the stories...

-grassrootsmsw-