In Gratitude

So, I had planned to write a different blog post this week, but when I came into the office and found these waiting for me this morning, I decided to change it up a bit.  I wasn't in the office when he stopped by to deliver the roses (and cupcakes) but the note addressed to me said "Thank you so much for everything you have done for me."  (Before I go any further, I should make it clear that, yes, it was a male client, but he's in his 80's and based on by interactions with him, I have no reason to take it as anything other than a very generous expression of  his gratitude).

While this example is extravagant (and definitely a first), the heart-felt thanks that I often receive from my clients are a constant reminder of how important our work is to the people we serve. Though I believe strongly that receiving thanks or gratitude from clients is not (and cannot) be the reason or primary motivation for my work at Taller de José, I do like to believe that it can often be an indication that what we're doing is making a difference in individuals' lives.

This particular client is a elderly man with some memory loss, who stops by on a regular basis because he lives very close. Often he needs help filling out forms or understanding his mail, and I've accompanied him twice to speak with staff members at the public housing complex where he lives (most of the staff there doesn't speak Spanish). Though I often feel that I haven't really "done" much, he is often very effusive with his gratitude, I think because he often feels lost in the system thanks to his memory loss and language barriers. Interactions with him usually remind me that sometimes the most important thing I can offer is just my presence. I think I often get caught up in focusing on what sort of knowledge and tangible services I can provide for my client, when what they appreciate the most is just knowing that someone else is there with them in the struggles.

I'm continually humbled by the generosity of my clients, who often have difficulty making ends meet but insist on sharing what they have. In preparation for a long day of waiting to meet with a doctor, one client came with "sandwichitos" ("little" sandwiches) for both of us (although "sandwichito" wasn't accurate at all... each was two hot dogs, avocado, cheese, and tomato on a huge bun). When I mentioned to a client that I was getting ready to move in a few weeks, her husband offered to come help, and multiple clients have invited me over for some of their home cooking (I've thanked them all but never taken them up on it). Just yesterday I accompanied a client to court who came prepared with water bottles and juice for both of us. Though I consistently try to turn any sort of gift the first time they offer, usually their insistence makes it rude for me to refuse again. In general, in the world of social services, accepting gifts is a big no-no, but I have to balance that with the understanding that my client will likely be hurt and offended if I refuse to take the sandwich she lovingly made for me. (Of course, I have never and will never accept anything expensive... these flowers are by far the most expensive thing I've received, and it's a little tricky to return those).

The constant generosity and gratitude of the people I interact with is a much-needed reminder that I can always be more generous and grateful. It's a reminder that I'm the one who should be thanking my clients for what they've taught me, thanking my coworkers for their support and advice, thanking my family and friends for their support (both of me as an individual and Taller) or thanking my roommates for listening to me talk about work yet again. So, that being said, I'm sorry I can't send you all a dozen roses, but thank you to everyone for reading, praying, donating, and supporting, it means so much!