Babies at CRIBS–their smiles mean a lot to me (advocacy from the point of view of a teenager)

Posted on October 7, 2008
Filed Under Advocacy, CRIBS | Viewed 211 times

Babies at CRIBS–their smiles mean a lot to me
by Angela Racoma

My experience in CRIBS (Create Responsive Infants by Sharing Foundation—a receiving home for abandoned and surrendered babies) is something that I will always treasure and keep with me, as I grow older and even when I already have children of my own. It is an experience, which I can say have helped me become the person I am right now and the person I will be in the future. Ever since I was a child, I dreamt of becoming a pediatrician or a pre-school teacher. With this experience, I became more inspired to continue this, especially now that we are already preparing for college.

Last October 2007, my nephew, who was only six weeks old, died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. At first, we were all shocked and got depressed over what happened. It was like, God sent us an angel whom we did not expect would leave us too soon to fly back to Him. We all know that the moment we were born, we already start dying, but what we do not know is when it will actually happen. How come some children were fortunate enough to live but not fortunate enough to have parents who will take care of them, while some parents are capable of taking care of a child, but not fortunate enough to have one? In the end, all we can do is understand that things happen for a reason that we may not always understand, and not always have to understand.

Even before we were required to volunteer at a non-government organization, I was already doing volunteer work at CRIBS with my mom and brothers every Sunday morning. We are really fond of kids and maybe, it’s also our way of showing love to our baby Michael who left us already. I became really close to these children to the point that I want to adopt them because I’m already afraid of losing them, especially when it is time for them to transfer to another organization. I’ve gotten to know each and every one of them by names, and as much as possible, I also try not to play favorites. Of course, there are those children who will still remember me when I come back, and then I get to spend more time with them again. It also feels great when I notice improvements every time we volunteer. Like, how this child can walk already, or how big this other child has gotten. I also like the feeling of being hugged and not wanting to be let go of. It makes someone feel special, when in fact it should be the other way around.

Whenever I have problems or I’m stressed out from too much workload, volunteering at CRIBS always makes me feel better. It’s tiring at times, especially when everyone’s in hyper mode, but in the end it’s all worth it. There are also times wherein one can feel how the children feel, even though they are not actually saying anything. It’s like they are somewhat affected by the fact that they are not with their parents anymore. This makes me want to be with them more. I can say that I don’t find it hard to commit to this organization at all because I love what I am doing.

The moment I see them smile, I feel like I have already made a big difference, a difference that I’m willing to make again and again and again.

CRIBS has a blog, and you are welcome to visit: The CRIBS Blog

Comments

One Response to “Babies at CRIBS–their smiles mean a lot to me (advocacy from the point of view of a teenager)”

Kyels on October 7th, 2008 3:56 pm

Volunteering for a body like CRIBS is a good thing. Very noble to give those babies/toddlers the care that they did not get from the birth parents.

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