My almost everyday walk in the squatter area is sometimes not easy because of the heat of the sun, the surroundings and the many tasks in my mind that are waiting to be accomplished. I took Social Worke in school not really because I like it but because at that time I was confused yet of what to do in my career life. So I didn’t like to be called Social Worker in the first place. I particularly didn’t like the part to stay in the office all day everyday interviewing people or working on case studies of clients. I heard Community Organizing in 
school but it is nothing that inspired me to do oneday. But when I find myself working with the Coalition of the Services of the Elderly, or rather the elderlys of the Urban Poor areas, I came to discover the work of a Community Organizer. I came to know that is not knowledge that makes one effective worker, it is not to what I know that the Old People like me but I think it is the reciprocity of patience and understanding. It is by understanding that I slowly realize that it is a gift to be with them. Why so? There is something in their age that one can sometimes feel blessed and is only discovered when they tell their stories in life, when they reveal their histories, when they humbly make themselves open to you. Imagine those many years they undergone and at one point in their story it can make you smile or cry (yes sometimes it has disheartened me, is the principle of Social Work on Non-emotional involvement applicable here?).
school but it is nothing that inspired me to do oneday. But when I find myself working with the Coalition of the Services of the Elderly, or rather the elderlys of the Urban Poor areas, I came to discover the work of a Community Organizer. I came to know that is not knowledge that makes one effective worker, it is not to what I know that the Old People like me but I think it is the reciprocity of patience and understanding. It is by understanding that I slowly realize that it is a gift to be with them. Why so? There is something in their age that one can sometimes feel blessed and is only discovered when they tell their stories in life, when they reveal their histories, when they humbly make themselves open to you. Imagine those many years they undergone and at one point in their story it can make you smile or cry (yes sometimes it has disheartened me, is the principle of Social Work on Non-emotional involvement applicable here?).Most of us always expect that Old 
People are very hard to work with but look at Nanay in Kaunlaran Brgy. Commonwealth. Regardless of the death of her husband and the abandonment of care from the family she is still strong to walk from her little dark house to attend the regular meeting of the group which is even a far distance from her home. With her age and condition I am sure she is not physically strong to walk outside without a companion. It is amazing that she is still an active member of the group, her will and strong mind keeps her alive. And perhaps the encouragement from us and the group made her participative as well. There were times when I was on my way to the area for their meeting and I found her on the pathway making slow steps to reach the meeting venue. I took her arm and helped her walk without speeding her pace.
People are very hard to work with but look at Nanay in Kaunlaran Brgy. Commonwealth. Regardless of the death of her husband and the abandonment of care from the family she is still strong to walk from her little dark house to attend the regular meeting of the group which is even a far distance from her home. With her age and condition I am sure she is not physically strong to walk outside without a companion. It is amazing that she is still an active member of the group, her will and strong mind keeps her alive. And perhaps the encouragement from us and the group made her participative as well. There were times when I was on my way to the area for their meeting and I found her on the pathway making slow steps to reach the meeting venue. I took her arm and helped her walk without speeding her pace. 
She is an inspiration and I admire her for her strong and genuine commitment. There is so much kindness in her voice when she speaks, a slow tone tuned with passion when she speaks her word.
When I said goodbye to the group, most of the elders showed a poignant expression. I saw a tiny glitter in the corner of Nanay’s eyes. It made me feel unhappy of leaving, there were also tears inside me but I know I will always remember them wherever I am and with my hopes of seeing them oneday. I gave her and everyone my embrace of goodbye.
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