The Camel Knows the Way

 "The Camel Knows the Way" is an autobiography recounting Lorna 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. The author's artful use of language to portray vivid images and emotions, as well as her honesty, is remarkable.

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. It is a metaphor that frequently comes to mind, especially in the midst of some of the more exasperating moments in parenthood.

I have had the honor of meeting Ms. Kelly and speaking with her in person. We first met at a school fair, where I had purchased my copy of "The Camel Knows the Way, a Journey. " When I sought out Ms. Kelly for an inscription, I found her, gleefully getting her face painted.   It was not surprising to read that Ms. Kelly jumped into the Sea of Gallilee fully clothed.  I would expect no less of someone this brave, adventurous and alive. Ms. Kelly's full embrace of life is admirable.