When Mother Teresa touched my hand

Kathmandu, Nepal, October 29 — "Kamala! We must make able ourselves to survive for peace, for God," Mother Teresa repeated in our first meeting. This statement makes me think about the real definition of life. Whatever it may be, I learned a lot about life due to our meeting. I got a chance to think about life. I must thank her for this. One should firmly determine about one's life. Unless we are independent, we can't accept life in meaningful way. It is true – no one shares our loneliness and hardships.

As my friend has said, "Kamala, if you can't change problems, shut your eyes, because earthly tension and sorrow live outside. When you shut your eyes, the relationship without a word disconnects automatically and you feel peace."

It is true that to live is not as easy as we think. The hard way of living might divide our path. Ultimately, having a successful life means keeping one’s aim of life. We can change life in time. It is like the mind. It cannot remain unchanged. To quote an intellectual, "As a brave woman, you are not far from success." Since joy and sorrow are momentary, we should think about meaning in the long run.

It was Dec. 1995, and I was traveling with my uncle to Calcutta via train. I wanted to see and touch Mother Teresa. I had given my uncle a very hard time until he agreed to take me to Calcutta. I was in the train, thinking of nothing except seeing Mother Teresa.

"You think about life, and life is for happiness," my uncle said, sharing his ideas with me. “No need to feel worried. Everything will be alright after you see Mother Teresa. Now you are traveling with me and must make a good journey for yourself. We have only one life to live." My uncle gave me a long speech.

In my meeting with Mother Teresa, she said to me, "Little Kamala, you have your life ahead of you. Be positive and strong; you are a poet, a good girl. There is so much an intelligent girl like you can do. After all, your education and your family have given you so much." She said all this while touching my right hand.

After meeting with Mother Teresa, I was happy and cheerful. It's true that unless you meet and recognize yourself, you can't be happy.

Mother Teresa remains a great part in my heart and mind. The relationship between us remains. She was inspirational to me.

I know that we can dedicate ourselves to leading life well only when we are experienced about it. I feel very emotional each time I remember how Mother Teresa touched my hand.