The influence of "The Camel Knows the Way"

 "The Camel Knows the Way" is an autobiography recounting Ms. Kelly's  successful career as the first woman auctioneer at Sotheby's, her battle with alchoholism, humbling experiences in Calcutta and  a remarkable relationship with Mother Theresa. Though it is a story of Ms. Kelly's particularly Christian spiritual awakening, "The Camel Knows the Way" nonetheless speaks to people of all religions.  I admire its honesty and artful use of language to portray vivid images and emotions.

The story of Ms. Kelly's spiritual shift experienced through her work in Calcutta is beyond moving.   Ms. Kelly learns  to see each and every person as worthy of compassion, even the people covered in filth and feces.  She accomplishes this by envisioning each suffering person as Jesus, himself or, in one case, as her mother.  With that shift, Ms. Kelly is emboldened to help the people of Calcutta.  Even though I am Jewish, I found this metaphor particularly transformational today.

I purchased my copy of "The Camel Knows the Way, a Journey" at a fair and sought out Ms. Kelly for an inscription.  I found her,gleefully getting her face painted.   When I got to the part of "The Camel Knows the Way" where Ms. Kelly relates that she jumped into the Sea of Gallilee fully clothed, I was less than surprised.  I would expect no less of someone this brave, adventurous and alive.

 One of my daughters is brilliant and gifted.  Her thirst for knowledge is remarkable and she seeks out unique experiences.  Like Ms. Kelly, she lives passionately. Her interests are unique and she is a truly special human being who, sadly, is not living up to her potential. For some reason, classes have not been attended, school work has been ignored and friendships have been left undeveloped.  To her credit, my daughter has finally admitted that she has a problem and needs help.  

Thankfully, my daughter's issues aren't life threatening. She doesn't drink alcohol, take drugs or engage in promiscuous sex. Still, I have been frustrated and thrust blame on my daughter for not wanting to overcome her problems with completing school work.  My husband and I were confounded.  We were amazed at how impossible our daughter made her own life by refusing to do homework that she could easily complete. Today, I was emotionally drained, lost and angry.  Then, I contemplated the imagery that enabled Lorna Kelly to attain a different attitude toward the poor and suffering people of Calcutta.  I stopped resenting my child for not making an effort to overcome self-inflicted problems.  Instead, I finally understood her suffering.    Obviously, if  I knew that a stranger was in that much emotional pain, I would approach them with compassion and get help.  The shift in attitude enabled me to leave the rage behind.   Offering support is far more constructive.