I could have been a nun. When I was a teenager, my family was good friends with a wonderful nun. One time, we invited her to spend a day with us at a camping club. I took her on my favorite walks and showed her the places I found special. While resting beside a lake, she told me, “You would make a good nun.”
I was both stunned and flattered, but I knew it was not the path for me. How to politely decline? I hesitated and replied, “Well, Sister, I appreciate that, but there are lots of ways to serve the Lord, and I will just have to find me another way. I like men too much.” It was the best answer I could come up with at the time. She respected that, and we never spoke of it again. She later transferred out of our parish, and my family lost touch.
She came to my mind this week while in a class with one of my students. The assignment was to write a letter to a teacher who they felt had helped them in some way. I had a lot of good teachers in school, but my first thought was of our friend the nun.
Sister Madelyn was cool because she was easy to talk to. She had a great sense of humor. She had a deep faith in God, but she was totally approachable. She taught me that nuns are people too. I could talk to her about anything, and I did. When I asked if she ever got lonely or wished she hadn’t taken vows, she spoke of her love for Christ. She thought of her vocation as her marriage. Even though I became a wife and mother instead of a nun, when I think back on my life, I realize that I try to emulate her. Her approach to life taught me how to live a life of faith.
I decided to do the assignment along with my student. I found Sister Madelyn and reached out. I wanted her to know that she was not forgotten. I was excited when she wrote back right away. I’m not sure she remembers exactly who I am, but that is okay. By now, she has ministered to thousands, I’m sure. Part of her response to me was, “Thank you so much for reaching out to me. At this age one wonders if they have made a difference in anyone’s life. Your note let me know I made a difference in your life.”
We often don’t know the positive effects we have on those around us unless they take time to tell us. If there was a teacher or mentor who made your life better, let them know. They may not remember you, but it will mean a lot that you remember them.