Tuesday, February 10, 2009

self portrait tuesday

february's theme is "introduce yourself"



hi! i'm dawn.
week II

i am a social worker and have worked with older people for more than 14 years. when i first got my master's degree in social work, i worked for hospice. i became interested in working with hospice after my father died. i was pretty sure that i would never heal from his tragic and sudden death, but i eventually did and i did so because of the support i received from another hospice social worker who ended up mentoring me and inspiring me to be a medical social worker.

i worked for hospice for 12 years and i loved every minute of it because its mission is something i truly believe in. but 12 years of death and dying can really take its toll so i left hospice to work at a non-profit continuing care retirement community.

working with older people teaches me every day. they teach me how to live. they teach me how to laugh. they teach me that i really should remember to floss my teeth and the importance of fiber in my diet.

8 comments:

Cait said...

Really, you are inspiring. I know you are a blessing to so many. Its great to know your blog. I feel I learn something new everyday too.

Live More Now said...

Hurray for fiber and flossing. And I think it's wonderful that you work with elderly and that you spent time working for hospice. We had hospice care when my mother died at the very young age of 45 and those hospice workers were amazing. So gentle and kind. Thank you for the work you do.

Sue said...

My brother has been a social worker for over 40 years...It seems like a very rewarding profession...and what could be better then the well being of seniors....your picture was very touching...

Anonymous said...

I may have to break down and go to the Reader by myself while the weather is still nice. I was suppose to go with a friend. Then we ended up at Revolutionary Road instead. And she hated it. So I'm not sure I'd want to see the Reader with her.

Didn't Kate's hubby direct this one and Revolutionary Road too? I'm not sure though.

Thanks again for the note.

3yearshousewife said...

Why Tuesday as self potrait day?

dawn said...

hi 3yearshousewife!

i belong to a group that is now housed on flickr.com that issues challenges to the group members every month. we must use a self portrait to embody the challenge that is chosen. some of the past month's challenges have been: slow, album covers, mirrors and shine. you can see all the group's efforts if you click on the icon that is on the side of my blog that says self portrait challenge.

i hated the idea of a self portrait, but it has really helped me to overcome my fears and think differently about myself and other things. you should join it too. the group is open to anyone who would like to join.

thanks for asking.
dawn

Tracy said...

Interesting! Nice to meet you (heh-heh. I made a funny 'cause I already know you).
But I never knew why you first wanted to work for Hospice, I just always thought it was because you're an angel. xo

Heidi said...

This is beautiful and you are inspirational.
I love this photo.