An Obituary

Dar ul Skun is one of the institutions of Catholic Church where the religious community kept out secular priests. The place is an example of unconditional love for everyone. One has to be there to feel the presence of absolute love for humanity. The catholic bishops and their paraphernalia always tried their best to institutionalize Jesus and His love; but they are bound to fail. It is encouraging sing that still there are religious communities with in catholic fold who have courage and faith to extend their services beyond the diocesan ``flock.`` Sister Gertrude was one of such example. The people of Pakistan love her and will remember her. May Allah rest her soul in peace!

a beautiful article about a beautiful person ......... very touching ......

and yes every single person matters

.....more to some .

Dear Shandana

Thanks for a beautiful article. And for reminding us how much work there is to be done.

regards

Purple

Shandana,

Very touching.

``Dard-e-dil kay waastay paida kiya insaan ko/

warna ta`at kay liye kya kum thay kuch karr-o-bayan.

regards

If only the real hereos of Pakistan would lie in state...- If only their heroics would be front page news and on our 6`O clock News.. - Alas,
those who have served so many are mourned by so few... - These are the real unsung heroes of Pakistan, Edhi, Akhtar Hameed Khan and Sister Gertrude...

In a culture where few rise above their petty personal intersts or agendas,( just witness some of the threads on chowk - the web`s bastion of Pakistani pseudo-intellectualism ) - the fact that these few battered souls have acheived is a testament to their faith in themselves and in us... ``Us`` is perhaps too generous a word a people that have rarely come together on anything.

In a land where Darwinian evolution can be witnessed in gory detail, - `` if not the predator then you are the prey`` ecosystem that dominates
socio-econmic food chain of the pakistani fabric.
Their legacy is last reminding reminder that individual good succeeds in a land where great intentions and hollow promises fail us too often.


In the Book of Genesis:18 .... when Abraham interceeds for SOdom...

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the
place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten`s sake.


Perhaps these are our saviours....

Shandana,

Thanks for writing this truly touching description of the creation of Darul Sukun. May God bless all those who contribute to it, whether through donations in cash or kind, or through voluntary work like the schoolchildren mentioned in your story, or through a lifetime of dedication, like this noble lady, Sister Gertie.

Shandana:

Found it really interesting when I read this in TFT a short while back. Brought back memories of someone I had the pleasure of knowing for a short period of time - a woman who had the same profound effect on those she worked and interacted with as Sister Gertie did. I wish I knew where she is now. Thank you for sharing this with us. You`ve written it with so much sensitivity - I`m sure Sister Gertie would have appreciated it. Your piece does justice to her and her work.

And as far as your pic is concerned - I didn`t want to say anything at first as I personally find it quite embarassing when others complement (or insult!) my looks - but since you seem to be fine about it and since complements can never hurt I suppose - sho cute! :)

Dear Shandana,

Kudos to you for thinking of, and writing about this life of spontaneous love. To all who knew Sr. Gertrude -- called (perhaps unfairly) the ``Mother Teresa of Pakistan``-- the image that remains is not one of the martyr but indeed, as you put it ..

``... the joyful, smiling, happy go lucky, “full of fun” woman whose spirit still permeates the atmosphere of this home.``

By the way, was this sort of `individual effort` you had in mind when you earlier downplayed the role of organizations? If so, well, there / *was/ * an organization even behind the good nun, nO?

Of course, you might have some dimwits here, sitting on their comfy cushions in farangi lands suggesting that destitution-relief that the likes of Sr. Gerte brought to the poor is/was not worth the price in insidious Western influence. Trust you`ll ignore them.

lotsa luv,

P.

Shandana, thanks for writing this piece. Pakistan
could use a lot more local charity and hope beyond
the work of people like Sister Gertie or the Edhis.
Since I am very close to the subject of the handicapped, I am curious as to what projects
there are in Pakistan to help people with
birth defects and other childhood disorders. Could you list them for some of us here in America who might want to help?

Thanks

Ras

thank you urstruly.

scout...paas aa kay bolo na :))

Dear Shandana!

It always feels good to read the heart-warming stories of the people who make a difference in the lives of fellow human beings. Thanks for putting it in such nice words.

Best regards

shandana,

how does it feel to be judged by a picture?

by the way, u`re cute :).

awwwwwww :)

shandana

Shandana

I have always liked your writings, sweet and sensitive just like you. (Judgement based on what I saw in your photograph in TFT).

Best Wishes

Shandana,

Your articles and posts command respect for the author behind them.

Your students must be lucky...

Thanks.

How touching!

Thank you Shandana.