The good fortune of his Darshan

The daughter of a staunch atheist, I had never till the age of 23,visited a temple. I lost all that was dear to me in life. Separated from my husband and parents I took refuge in a town other than my own with my child, and began to live in an orphange, which also I left unable to tolerate the atrocities there. Though trained as primary school teacher, I worked as a cook. Lost in a sea of troubles and knowing no way out, my days were filled with tears.
Whenever I had some leisure, I would cut the pictures of Kanchi Periyaval that appeared in periodicals and magazines, and paste them in a long note book. I once had a dream that Swamigal was resting in my house..... From that day onwards, I was filled with devotion for him. When my suffereings reached their darkest moment, I took my Teacher's Training certificate and the long note -book with Sri Swamigal's pictures and sent them to the waste paper shop. But the man at the shop sent me back my certificate and the note book with pictures with the message that I had probably made a mistake. I thought there ought to be some meaning in this and put the two away safely. Within a few months things began to change unexpectedly. The wicked man who harassed me was punished and I was rid of all trouble. My brother in Chennai gave me shelter in his house. Affter a gap of twelve years, I took up a teaching job once more. After I crossed fifty, I took the B.Litt, and B.Ed degrees. Now, I also serve in several groups committed to social service. Although I have had the darsan of Periyavar only once or twice, I believe whole heartedly that what I am today is because of his grace.