Dorothy's Story.
I have studied Anthony de Mello since 1991
and have offered video presentations on him in Hawaii over the past couple of
years, as well as book studies. I have
seen Tony and his teachings make a difference in the lives of a number of
people who have attended these offerings.
I would like to briefly share the story of one woman, Dorothy.
Then a little over a year ago Dorothy
surprisingly gave an informal testimonial to a group viewing "A
Rediscovery of Life" for the first time.
She told the audience how much her life had changed in the past year due
to Tony's teachings. Dorothy stated how
she felt "at peace,” then added, “But I'm scared....I don't know who I am anymore!"
When asked what she meant, Dorothy gave an example: “I used to fight on the
board of the condo association for what I believed was right, but now I speak
up without fighting. This isn't the 'me' I used to know." When
asked if she liked being “at peace,” Dorothy promptly said: “Oh, yeah!” and
smiled. Dorothy clearly was embodying
Tony's teaching about the “me” and the “I”.
She clearly did “get it.”
A couple months later Dorothy was diagnosed
with inoperable cancer. When I called her in the hospital, she was very
calm. I was impressed by this and said
her so. Again Dorothy simply said she
was “at peace” and added: "My family and friends don't know what to make
of me anymore. So I just tell them, 'It's the new Dorothy.' I feel
at peace....and I owe it all to Tony."
Dorothy lived out her last year very much “at
peace.” She truly has been an
inspiration to all who knew her and continues to be so even now. Her spirit indeed lives on. Dorothy's name means “God's gift,” and she
has certainly been, and still is, “a gift of God” to us all.
With much love and Aloha,
Richard Hennessey.
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