I didn’t write anything for this week. You will be glad I didn’t because I have two special treats for you.
1. My English teacher from secondary school and dear friend Miss H wrote me and she said:
…..It is very thoughtful of you to dedicate the poem to those who are physically or mentally, or should I add, spiritually, alone. <Underscore added.>
When I read your line, ‘ Remember, you are not really alone when you are alone’, an image comes up to my mind immediately. I see the famous “Footprints”. Jesus has been walking beside this person all along and when he/she is at the most critical period of his/her life, Jesus carries him/her. Indeed, we are never alone. …
| WORDS of WISDOM
Let nothing disturb you St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) |
嘉言雋語 勿心煩， 聖女大德蘭(1515-1582) |
|
O Lord, You have made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in You. St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) |
主，祢創造了我們，是為了歸向祢，除了在祢內，我們的心無法得到安息。
聖奧斯定(354-430) |
|
Joy is prayer Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) |
喜樂是禱告 真福德蘭修女(1910-1997) |
| Joy is the greatest cleanser, and it is the greatest testimony to our faith.
St Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) |
喜樂是最佳淨化劑，也是我們信仰的最佳證言。
亞細亞聖方濟(1182-1226) |
| A person with joy preaches without preaching
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) |
滿懷喜樂的人無需宣講已經傳了道。 真福德蘭修女(1910-1997) |
2. Another good friend, ST, also wrote:
Missing a Friend on this Day
Enter the Monkey for the 7th day, 
We Chinese call it All Men’s Birthday.
Coincidentally it’s also St. Valentine’s Day.
My friend writes a piece of poetry.
He has the following to say: “ …
Searching for your familiar smile … …
Remembering the scent on the pillow case …”
May I respond this way:
My friend, you are not alone!
But if you feel lonely at home,
Just shout to this chat-group
That would arouse your friends’ talking mood
Faster than any general can mobilize his troops.
So on earth we don’t miss one another,
But rather ….
Three years ago today on the lunar calendar
It’s cloudy and windy here in Richmond Hill;
Albeit not as cold as minus 20 degrees now I feel.
Together with classmates from the United States,
We paid our last respect to a dear ‘mate.
It’s this likeable fellow that we do miss,
Also the loud laughter that’s unmistakably his.
Remembering the smile on his jolly face,
More than the scent on the pillow case.
Aren’t you happy you don’t have to hear my unnecessary fussing for a week? Both Miss H and ST are right: we are never alone mentally and spiritually. It sure is nice to get that reassurance from friends once in a while. Wouldn’t you agree?
*** The End ***
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