Our lives can easily get lost in the mundane. If we’re fortunate, we wake up and head to school or work, rushing from one task to the next until we collapse into bed, exhausted, only to repeat the cycle again the next day. But this sense of monotony fades when I allow myself to truly encounter others, especially in my work.
My day job involves accompanying individuals; people battling illnesses, their caregivers, and those who are experiencing profound loss. In these encounters, I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion. This work often requires less “doing” and more “being”. Being present with the person, with their pain, their fears, their doubts, and the complex emotions that come with loss, in whatever form it may take.
Beyond this, I also work with women in prostitution who face mistreatment and violence. Most of them lack basic necessities and above all, a sense of safety. Safety is more than just shelter, food, and clothing. It encompasses the intangible which includes a sense of self-worth, the love of family, the support of friends, and the power of education. Accompanying these women often starts with providing essential necessities, laying a foundation upon which they can begin to rebuild. Their journey may involve multiple “do-overs,” but each one is an opportunity to try again, to offer healing, hope, and the chance to move forward. Our mission is to be with them every step of the way, offering our presence and support.
Much of my work revolves around helping people find their voices and empowering them. Helping individuals find their voice is essential. Once people feel safe and secure in themselves and their surroundings, they can begin to share their stories. At times, they may not yet be in a position to advocate for themselves, so it becomes our responsibility, as those who accompany them and understand their realities, to be their voice. This is vital in order to bring about change. It’s a challenging process, requiring patience, persistence, and prayer. But it’s far better to try and struggle than to remain passive. Inaction is the true tragedy, not struggling and failing. We all have a responsibility to be present, to truly see those around us, and to encourage one another to speak up and advocate for those who cannot. We must strive to be better and do better.
Recently, I had a brief but moving experience in Rome, working in a soup kitchen over New Year’s. I was struck by the immense diversity of people I encountered. There were people of all ages, races, nationalities, backgrounds, and genders, gathered together under one roof, simply sharing a meal. It was a humbling reminder that, at our core, we are all the same, and every person deserves dignity.
On New Year’s Eve in Rome, we asked the attendees to write down messages of hope for 2025. One man, who had attended the soup kitchen but didn’t stay for the celebration, left a note on the table where he had sat. It simply read;
“Next year will be better”
This note served as a powerful reminder to hold on to hope, even when it feels like there’s nothing left. It also reminded me of why we keep doing what we do. When we’re tired, exhausted, and feeling defeated, it can be tempting to quit. But if there’s even a glimmer of hope, that’s where we can rediscover the strength to try again.
Day to day, I listen to countless stories, some that shatter my heart with sorrow, and others that fill it with overwhelming love. Love sustains us through our hardest moments, and though it aches for the things or people we’ve lost, it also strengthens us. Sitting with others in their struggles and joys changes you. If you remain open and willing, it will change you for the better. It teaches you what truly matters: being human with other humans, showing compassion, and loving relentlessly, even when it hurts.
My work has taught me that if my basic needs are being met, if I remember my worth and dignity, and if I’ve experienced love, I have a duty to share it. You don’t have to be directly engaged with clients in your work, as I am, to live by acts of mercy.
Love is not meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be given freely. In sharing it, I’ve been rewarded abundantly. I’ve learned that when you give love, your heart grows fuller, your life becomes richer, and each day you wake up in gratitude for the gift of life.