"Sister Lucy recently shared this letter with a few of us. It is a beautiful gratitude letter written to her by Sister Manju. The letter not only shows her affection for Sister Lucy but is also a subtle embodiment of her values. We are ever so grateful to be inspired by Sister Lucy!"



Dearest Lucy

I can’t say “thank you” enough to express how grateful I am as A Carmelite Missionary, for your coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become even a better version of myself. You have walked with me through some of the rockiest and turbulent times in my life and for that, I am eternally grateful and I will always do the same for you. It is challenging to put into words how grateful I am of you. I believe that you were brought into my life for a reason.

As I reach my Silver Jubilee that is to be celebrated on the 14th of July at 11am at St. Ann’s Church, Pali Hill, Bandra, Mumbai (though I would always consider 1988 as my stepping stone into religious life as it was the entry) I want to let you know that you are no ordinary person who journeyed along with me for it is you who You have taught me that I don’t always have to be strong. I am allowed to break down and keep moving forward. Thank you for dealing with my immaturities and tantrums. Thank you for always telling me the truth, without calling me out on the stupid things I did, I don’t know where I would be today. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for making me want to be a better person. Even if I’m hard to deal with at times, you never left. Instead, you still tried to understand. You never judged me, instead you accepted me and your open-mindedness and compassionate heart always reached out to me and always seemed to turn a negative situation into a positive one. I still remember late night calls that we used to have, outside of Open space of Maher, Vadu pumping in me so much of courage and strength.

I could be both honest and vulnerable with you. More so, through honesty and vulnerability, I could open doors that would otherwise stay closed. You have taught me that despite my flaws and hurts, I am the most precious and beautiful and that gave me the strength and life. Because you taught me to see the world differently, I learned to treat the world differently.

Your passion to make a difference is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your responsibilities. I still remember how open and sisterly you have been to me in particular. I could fight with you; disagree with you, cry and laugh: even in the most painful situation your presence was so magical just like that of my sweet Parents!!!!! . I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.

Our relationship has taught me to appreciate the small moments and not to rush through my life. It has taught me that the smallest acts of kindness can sometimes be the most monumental. No matter how small of a role people played in my life I made an effort to be kind to everyone; because you never know what someone is going through. It has taught me to be sensitive and understating in every situation. It has taught me to make decisions for the better.

I may not say it often but I treasure the memories we have made and shared. Thank you for being a Christ to me!

Love you Lucy
Manju

Posted by Swara Pandya on Jul 22, 2019 | permalink