Fond Remembrances

Today is her birthday. Born on a leap year, she belongs to that rare breed who can inspire and positively influence people that they have touched.

She’s of weak constitution further aggravated by a fall that forced her to walk with cane for sometime. In addition, she has to wear dark glasses even indoors due to photophobia (light sensibility). But she’s mentally and spiritually strong. She’s a force of nature always pushing you to the best of your abilities.

She’s a painter, a photographer, and a writer. Most of all, she’s a teacher in the highest regard. I have the honor of being one of her students. She has taught me the beauty of the English language and encouraged me to read the classics and works of dead people.

Although she belongs to a prominent family, she’s a rebel at heart. She has abandoned all the glitters and privileges it can provide and chooses to be a Franciscan nun. It’s been said that when her father saw her walking on the street on a hot summer day, he instructed the driver to stop and offer her a ride. She refused.

She has high ambition for me. She thinks that I could have a future in journalism or priesthood. But it isn’t meant to be. Life being a journey of twists and turns, I’ve found myself in America and ended up writing code for a living instead. Still, I’m confident that I’ve made her proud.

Happy birthday, Sister G. I get this warm, soft feeling in my chest thinking of you. As you always say, fond remembrances. I’ll never forget you.