Tony Cointreau

In honor of Mother Teresa's canonization on Sunday, it's the perfect time for me to tell you about one of her many ministries that were so important to her life.

Tony Cointreau spent a life living in wealth and privilege. He is a member of the Cointreau liqueur family and became a well-known international singer and performer. In 1979, Cointreau saw a magazine photo of one of Mother Teresa's volunteers carrying a dying man in his arms and he knew immediately that he had to be a part of that work. He believed that if he could offer comfort to at least one dying person, then his life would have a purpose. Cointreau did much more than offer comfort to one, but to many in his twelve years of volunteering. His book shares lessons he learned while comforting those who were considered the lowest of society. He volunteered his time at Gift of Love, an AIDS Hospice house in New York City. During the 1980's and 1990's, much was still unknown about the disease of AIDS. Many clinics and hospitals were unwilling to care for those dying from the disease. No one would be turned away at Gift of Love and were treated with the utmost respect and care as if they were the most important person in the house. These patients included drug users, formerly incarcerated men, homeless men, and those who had no family willing to support them.

Cointreau had no concept of the types of lives these men lead to bring them to live their final days at Gift of Love, but one thing he learned from Mother Teresa was no judgment. Everyone was loved, fed, and cared for with no questions asked. His chapters offer lessons he learned during his many years volunteering including the power of touch, listening, music, laughter, faith, and respect. His stories remind us that these men are no different from any of us and just want to leave this Earth in comfort and surrounded by love.

I'm a hugger and have always been comforted by someone's gift of a hug or gentle touch on the hand. This is usually my first way to offer comfort to someone. The men staying at Gift of Love hadn't been touched by anyone due to their AIDS diagnosis. There was so much fear and misinformation about how the disease was transmitted at that time that people avoided them. When hugs or gentle touches were offered to these men, their pain and anxiety would disappear and they were calmer. I can't imagine being in my final days and suffering alone or without someone holding my hand.

Cointreau's stories of love, patience, friendship, and nonjudgment show that even in a society where we focus on the bad, there is still a lot of good going on in our world.… (plus d'informations)

I only know the name Mother Teresa. Yet, I don't really know anything about just who, Mother Teresa is or who Tony Cointreau is for that matter either. However, after reading this book all I know that they are both great people with big hearts and lots of love and kindness to share for all. Oh and that Mr. Cointreau is a great storyteller, who is a quick thinker on his feet. The stories he told, I was fascinated by them as well.

Each chapter in this book focuses on different people or lessons to be shared. I felt connected to each and every person that I met in this book. From those dying to the woman who's daughter lived just down the block and could not be bothered to visit her. It was as if Mr. Cointreau's Aunt Tata was my Aunt as well. This is the type of book to treasure but learn from as well. We need these lessons, especially now in this present time period.

I thought I would share a few quotes by Mother Teresa:

"Be kind, show kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile...to all who suffer and are lonely, give always a happy smile."

"We can do no great things-only small things with great love,"… (plus d'informations)