Is there any other word to describe the feeling?

In 1980, the Mother referred two small girls from a destitute home to the doctor. She requested their surgical treatment at a nominal cost.  Her words were, “I cannot give you anything. My gratitude will be my prayer for you.” Her sincere words touched Dr. Cherian. The operations were performed.  Before their discharge, she visited them in the hospital and prayed for them and the other patients there. This incident gave rise to a long lasting friendship that saw Dr. Cherian operate on five to six children from her home. Their friendship flourished. 

Dr. Cherian loved to spend time with her as he felt they were divine experiences. She was inquisitive; wanted to know about everything from movie posters and actors to science and art. He eagerly waited for her yearly Christmas cards filled with her prayers. When she could not make it to Dr. Cherian’s daughter’s wedding, Mother Teresa sent a letter which is a treasured possession till this day. Though she had promised to grace the inauguration of Madras Medical Mission with an express wish of meeting Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Dr. Christiaan Barnard, she was held up in China and could not make it. 

One day Dr. Cherian was instructed by the Chief Minister’s office to receive Mother Teresa at the airport and escort her to the ‘Mother’s House’.  The Mother was to be the Chief Guest at a function of the All India Women’s Association.  Mother Teresa had a hectic schedule and requested Dr. Cherian to ensure that she reached the function on time and left within half an hour.  Dr. Cherian obliged. They reached on time and exactly after half an hour, Dr. Cherian prompted Mother Teresa. The Chief Minister inquired as to the matter and when told the reason, she ensured that the Mother left without delay. 

After a hectic day, when Dr. Cherian took her back to her home around 8.30 p.m., she instructed the sisters to give the doctor dinner as he had not had anything throughout the day. That was the last time he saw her. Dr. Cherian cherishes his every interaction with Mother Teresa. Their friendship born out of a common service orientation lasted for 15 years till her death. She was a beacon of hope through all his troubles and sustained his confidence through her prayers.  Dr. Cherian says, “She may not be here physically now, but her legacy lives on.  

We will not be here forever and even our memories will fade. But the Mother will live on. It is humbling to realize that I have known a Saint. I feel fortunate and touched by the Divine. Is there any way to convey my feelings fully?”