Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Pathway to Ugh...

Ugh...

The last week and a half has been the MOST emotional week EVER.  On February 9th, I lost my best friend, my mother.  I had spent the last week in the hospital almost every waking hour with her.  I was her advocate.  She has been sick with cancer for over two years.  The last three weeks she had refused to go to the doctors because I believe she knew and did not want to hear the words.  My family urged me to make her go to the doctors. Fortunately I put  my social worker cap on and told them she has a right to self-determination. Every day she would recite her birth date, social security number and president of the United States; she knew as I told her often as soon as she was unable to make her own decisions I would take her to the hospital.   We often had talks about what she wanted in the end, as painful as they were and the backlash I started to receive from relatives, I followed her directions as it was ultimately her decisions that drove my brother, her love of her life (Jerry) and myself to follow her wishes.

I sit here and reflect on my mother's life... My career path as a social worker started  at a very young age.  I contribute my calling to social work to my mother. She was a social worker in her own right. Growing up I can remember having all the older people in the neighborhood over for dinner.  A couple of times a week my mother would cook dinner for all the elderly people and they would either come to the house for dinner or the children would deliver dinner to them.  When ever the elderly need something my mom was there.  I really did not realize until this moment how the actions of  my mother played a tremendous role in my life.

In the end my mother taught me how to be a social worker more than any book ever could.  With two life lessons: the right vs. wrong and respect.


3 comments:

  1. Crystal I am so sorry to read of your tremedous loss. The photo you have posted clearly shows the love you two have for each other. I wish your family lots of love and support in this time of sadness.

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  2. Crystal, I love the picture of you and your mother as it is telling to the relationship you both have. I am especially grateful for her influence on your decision to become a social worker. Keep working towards your goal and the commitment you have made to finish your degree in social work. If you need any help or encouragement I will gladly assist you. Love you.

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  3. Crystal, the picture of you and your mom is beautiful and is shows the happy, close relationship you shared. I am so saddened for your family as she was a wonderful influence and a beautiful spirit to so many people. She will be missed greatly. Love to you and your family. I am here if you need anything.

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