Skip to main content

And the day came.....


Yesterday I said goodbye to my job as a New York foster care worker. It was bittersweet in ways I never expected. Saying goodbye to my clients was more difficult than I expected it to be. Many of these kids have caused sleepless nights and endless stress in my life....and they are the ones I had the hardest time saying goodbye to. I know they will be in good hands, but for two years, they have been in my heart. I have advocated for them, done my best to teach them, tried my hardest to help them see how special they are, ensured that they were well cared for. I have been a teacher, a friend and yes, at times, even a mom. As I worked to serve them, I am left with the feeling that they actually served me. I was taught more patience and persistence and given more capacity to love even when the object of my affection was driving me crazy sometimes. It's interesting how things turn out.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Summer, where did you go?

Is it really the end of August, people? Oh my goodness! Before we know it, the weather will turn, the snow will come and we will be huddled in our coats and scarves running to catch the train. I don't know about you but I'm not feelin' it! Look at this picture though.....she is having such fun in the sun! It reminds me of simpler times. Days when all we had to worry about was if a car was going to break up our kick ball game, or who was going to win the Big Wheel race. Ah, summer as a child....I miss you! But, alas, we are children no more. In many ways, I thank Heaven for that! ;) Here I stand on the edge of a new career in social work in New York City. I kept the faith, followed my dreams, learned more patience, and it paid off. By the way, I start training on September 14th...wohoo!! Anyhow, that's my rant. And my wish is that you soak up every last minute before the season changes (of course, my California friends, you have no idea what I am talking ab
4 comments
Read more

Yay for Juicing

Many of you know that I packed on about 25 pounds of pudge during my cancer treatment last year. It was so discouraging as I had already worked so hard to lose about 70 pounds. Stinkin' cancer. Not enough to threaten my life, gotta pack on the pudge too?! When I was home with my family over Christmas my Dear Friend told me about this movie on netflix, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead." I can't tell you how much the title resonated with me. The movie touts the benefits of juicing, (not to be confused with steroid use...haha), vegetable juicing. I figured it would be a good idea to try it. I had juiced veggies during chemotherapy at the suggestion of someone who beat Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer....but honestly, could not stomach the thought of it for awhile after chemo. Fast forward 2 months since I started my "Reboot" and I am down a glorious 25 pounds. First of all, I feel like I have found my secret weapon. Second of all, yes! 25 pounds! Woot woot!
4 comments
Read more

Zaneta M. Gileno, MSW

There were days that flew by and days I thought would never make it.  In the end, I earned a Master of Science degree in Social Work from Columbia University.   What a journey!!   This is some of the Advanced Standing Class of 2009.  One year, one purpose!!  We did it, guys!   My friend Carlene came from California to celebrate with me.  (My friend David and his girlfriend Audra also came but we forgot to take pics).  Thanks for coming, you guys!  What a special day.  Me and Carlene after the ceremonies were over. Me in front of my lady.  I just love her! One of my favorite missionary companions sent me a wonderful package from Hawaii.  It was filled with sweets and this lovely lei. Thank you, Chimge.  I love you! I never would have made it without my Heavenly Father.  I stopped to give thanks in the chapel on campus and Carlene snapped this special picture of me.  I am posting it as thanks to Heavenly Father and to all of you who prayed on my behalf.  Thank you so much!! We had two Co
3 comments
Read more