Some words from Gary:

I have looked to Albert Schweitzer as one of my mentors as far back as my junior high school days.  Perhaps a little insight into his philosophies and accomplishments might explain my attraction to his work.  

At the age of 21, Dr Schweitzer set some goals for himself that affected his future achievements and eventually, the lives of thousands of people.  He chose to base his actions  on a deep "reverence for life".  He then made the decision to spend the next nine years studying science, music, and theology.  After accomplishing these preparatory objectives, he would then  devote the rest of his life to "serving humanity directly". 
 

He therefore returned to school to study medicine, and in 1913, established his first clinic in the jungles of French Equatorial Africa.  

My mother was quite an admirer of Dr Schweitzer, and I recall her sharing many stories about him during my teen years.  She talked about how his life in Africa was far from his previous existence in Europe.  His first clinic was nothing more than a chicken coop and the dampness, insects, and snakes were his constant companions.  To make matters worse, he lacked the medical equipment and supplies necessary to handle the emergencies that his patients presented to him.

I also recall Mother talking about how music provided much of his respite in this primitive environment.  He had taken a piano to Africa in order to sustain himself in this foreign world. 

The unstable conditions of the jungle meant that the piano would not stay in tune, and it was in a constant state of deterioration.  However, there are many reports by his staff of that horribly out of tune piano projecting beautifully sensitive performances of Bach preludes in the late night hours after Dr. Schweitzer had completed his rounds. 

I can still hear my mother 45 years ago, repeating that quote to me about the potential importance of music in my future life.  Today, I, like Dr Schweitzer, find great respite in my music, and most of the financial support for my work also comes my music. I also met my wife, Anne in an orchestra. 

Dr Schweitzer has received many distinctions for his work.  He has been called "The Greatest Christian of his time", and Queen Elizabeth II gave him the "Order of Merit", Britain's highest civilian honor.  

He also received the Nobel Prize.  He took that cash award, expanded his hospital and also built a leper colony.

Dr. Schweitzer continued his dedicated work in Africa until his death at the age of 90.

The following quote by Dr. Schweitzer reflects the role he has played in my life.  I trust as you look back through your years, you will be able to find a similar mentor within your life's experiences who has "kindled" your flame.  Or perhaps if you are truly fortunate, the person you are caring for today may still be giving you this opportunity.  

Sometimes our light goes out 
but is blown into flame 
by an encounter with another human being.  

Each of us owes the deepest of thanks
to those who have kindled this light.  

Albert Schweitzer

 

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"However do you manage to do so much?" his fellow students asked Schweitzer while he was a college student.

Usually he only laughed. But if they pressed him, he showed them a poem cut out of a French calendar, which he had framed and hung up above his work table.

          Higher, ever higher,
          Let thy dreams and wishes rise,
          Let them mount like flame of fire,
          Upwards to the skies.

          Higher, ever higher,
          And when thy heaven is overcast,
          May thy star of faith aspire
          Till all is bright at last.

For more than sixty years this extract from a calendar was Schweitzer's inspiration. It is still to be found, faded, above his writing-desk in Gunsbach.

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OR:
Email us at: consort@pathwaynet.com with a suggestion of a mentor we can research and  present.

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Other Caregiver Mentor Articles:

The story of Francis of Assisi's journey to the Holy Lands on a peace mission during the 5th Crusade.  3/16/03

Free MP3 audio download of the Prayer of Francis Assisi read by Gary with Anne providing a musical background with her Celtic Harp.  3/16/03

St. Patrick, Irish patron saint, free MP3 download of music and biographical story  featuring Collecting Consort music with Gary as narrator. (5 min.) 03/16/01

St. Valentine (The history and legend behind this saint and the celebration of his day) 2 min. 02/07/01

 

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