Sister Teresa

                Sister Teresa is 87 years old but has dementia so she thinks she’s about 72, depending on the day. I’d believe she was 72 simply by looking at her lively spirit! Sister Teresa brings joy to everyone she speaks to. She used to be a music teacher so she’s always ready for a song or a beat and lights up at the chance to sing together. She can hardly follow a conversation for five seconds (literally) but she’s always asking you about yourself. I’ve introduced myself to her each time I see her and she never fails to make me feel like the most special person in the world, let alone in the room.

                Just the other day I went upstairs to be with her at our usual time. Little did I know, my day was about to become unforgettable. I sat next to her and she said, “Hello lovey, what’s your name?”

“Christy!” I responded.

“Ah, that’s nice! Where are you from?” she asked with a shining smile.

“I’m from America!” I told her.

                And then what I never thought would happen, happened. She remembered me!! I was overjoyed. We talked and sang and I read to her and we had a jolly old time. But then it was time to leave. She became very anxious and with a terrified look on her face, exclaimed, “But I don’t want to lose you again!” My heart sank. I told her that she wouldn’t lose me and that I’d see her tomorrow. And with the look of a small, scared child being dropped off at school on their first day, she said, “I love you”.

                I told her that I loved her more and then had to rush out of the room before I started crying. I don’t know why people get dementia. I’ve been thinking about it a lot while I’ve been here. My theory is that it must serve as some sort of purgatory during our time on earth so that, maybe, it will be shorter when we die. It seems to me to be the truest test of faith. In the moments when you can tell that Sister Teresa is terrified, she repeats to herself, “Jesus, help me”. Though her mind is gone, she finds the strength and willpower to continually invite God into her heart. It really opens your eyes.

                When Sister Teresa exclaimed, “I don’t want to lose you again”, I couldn’t help but think that this is how God must feel when we begin to turn our minds away from Him. But He’s always right there, loving us, patiently waiting for us to say hello again. It’s impossible to grasp the extent of His love. But it’s beautiful to ponder.

The Sisters of Cowley, Oxford

It's been a little over a month since I arrived and I guess it's about time I posted another blog! There exists a Salesian newsletter of sorts and this month it is focused on the sisters of Cowley, Oxford. I've been asked to write a little something for the column about my short and sweet time here, so I'll just pass it along to this blog. Here it is:

The House of the Love of God

                Mother Mary Mazzarello referred to the first home for the Salesian sisters as “the House of the Love of God”. After living with the Salesian sisters of Cowley, Oxford for a little over a month now, I believe she was really onto something. I have never before witnessed the Love of God so visibly everywhere I turn. Each one of the 14 sisters here is like a mirror of Christ reflecting His light throughout the house, making it ever so bright and cheerful even on the rainy days.

                The halls seem to be flowing with graces bringing peace and joy to every room. It’s really as if God’s rays of love shed light even the shadowy areas, as I have not experienced one of those “bad days” that I recall existing before my time here began. Surely this experience is attainable outside of these walls. It must be. God is so present and tangible here and I have no doubt that this is heightened by His warm, welcome invitation into the hearts of so many beautiful women living together for His purpose. If there is just one of the countless lessons I’m learning here that I could choose to carry with me through my life, it would be the unceasing oneness with Christ found in every heart.

                My time here is a blessing. I cannot put into words the impact this one month has had on me. I came to help but am receiving so much more. My duties include gardening, painting fences, helping around the house in various areas, and providing stimulation by engaging with the sisters. I would hardly call these “duties”, though, as I would choose to partake in all of them without being asked! Before I arrived, I did not foresee the days of sheer joy I would have in my Oxford home. I am forever grateful to the sisters for unknowingly deepening my love and wonder of God and I will always remember this time in my life that is trimmed in gold!