My dad passed away at a young age; I too was very young.  Memories of events in my life while Dad was still with us are vague but I recall asking him about my given name and the choices on the final say.  After having had three sons, my Father was praying for a daughter and when I made my entry into the world, my mum said, he was full of joy and delight.  He praised God and gave thanks to St Anthony, to whom he had a very strong devotion until his last days on earth.

             He related that the very next day after my birth, it was the Feast of St Teresa and my father was inspired by the life of this Saint.  He took a liking to the name and thought it was an ideal name for his daughter, hoping may be, I would draw some lessons from this Saint.  I did not know much about this saint and did not probe any further. I grew up in a strict Catholic upbringing, where everything was directed, instructed, little or no choice, so just followed obediently.

            Time passed swiftly. Now in my latter years, lived-out experiences had taken its trial and toil, no more race against time for secular ways, I begin to gather my thoughts looking back from conception and thinking about the short ten years I had with dad before he passed on. From a family of nine, I was his treasure and he took me on his many journeys.

             I go to Church, though I must confess not regularly, and spiritual life was lukewarm.  Picked up some years later on my spiritual growth, then went downstream again.  Too much tragedy, hardship with separation after 21 years of marriage, with little hope, just darkness.  However, some years later watching my only sister, growing closer to divine strength, gave me a restart on my journey to seeking eternal joy and lasting peace. 

              I began by taking an interest in St Teresa of Jesus and read her life experiences.  Her contemplative prayer life, her struggles, with her own mediocrity, illness and persistent reforms to her order is something to marvel about. I too suffer from an illness and not only moan and groan but complain.  Wow, I thought, I am no where in comparison.  I thought this is like going through a winepress and ultimately being crushed to breathe new life.  However, the good news is I have had some success, having persevered all leaps and bound, been measured and now bearing fruits.  I dare not raise my eyes to St Teresa of Avila but I am not far off, for my marks of endurance have been rewarded and I am closer to my Creator!