- Mother Teresa
Last Thursday was a very special day at Holy Cross College of Notre Dame, Indiana. Our Gerontology Consortium of Michiana hosted its annual conference with this year’s theme of “Aging with Purpose & Passion.” As soon as we settled on the theme, I could think of only one person for keynote speaker. Dr. Paul Wright, cardiologist to Mother Teresa for the last 5 years of her life. If you don’t know Dr. Wright’s story, let me share it with you.
Back in 1992, Dr. Wright was a financially successful cardiologist in Youngstown, Ohio. He seemingly had the perfect life. But, as he shares, he felt empty, depressed and adrift. And, he believed that the only person who could help him (find inner peace and happiness) would be a living saint in the form of Mother Teresa. He sought her out in Tijuana, Mexico, and asked her one simple, but profound question, “How would he be judged at the end of his life?” Mother Teresa turned to Matthew 25, and at that very moment, Dr. Wright had an epiphany of how he needed to change his life. He understood that Jesus comes to each of us in disguise of the poor, the sick, the frail and dying. Dr. Wright told us that that the epiphany happened in a moment, but the transformation of his life would take time, require adjustment and not be easy.
Now, onto Dr. Wright’s keynote presentation at our conference and Mother Teresa’s message to caregivers:
- Our society values youth, wealth, security and power, but the true greatest value comes through serving others with compassion and love.
- We’re not all called to serve in the same way, but we are each called to serve through compassion & love in our own way.
- Mother Teresa declared that the most painful suffering of all is “loneliness.”
- Mother said, “Don’t ever forget who you are touching.”
Our aging parents and elderly loved ones face loss and loneliness on a daily basis. Each of us, in our daily lives, can “make room and time” for the elderly who cross our paths. Consider giving the “gift of your presence.” Through your listening ear, a simple gaze, a gentle touch…. you can indeed nourish the soul of another human being at the time of their greatest need.
Do not let another day pass. Reach out today! Blessings to each of you!
To read all of Dr. Wright’s story and lessons from his time with Mother Teresa, be sure to read his wonderful book, “Mother Teresa’s Prescriptions: Finding Happiness and Peace in Service.”
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One of Bruce Springsteen’s greatest songs was “Youngstown” (Ohio), Hilary Clinton made one of her best speeches in Ohio during the nomination campaign, I watched it on Tou Tube she was fantastic, they’re all there in different ways.
This is a great summary, Dale. Dr. Wright was absolutely inspiring and I am so grateful I was able to hear him speak!