Sister Karlyn Cauley’s Birthday Reflection

In celebration of our sisters’ birthdays in 2023, we asked them to share an age they would like to go “back” to. On her birthday, Sister Karlyn reminisces on an age that brought significant change and happiness to her life and ministry.

By Sister Karlyn Cauley, SDS
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I would love to revisit the age of 37 years old. I was unhappy teaching grade school and hoped for another way to use my talents and gifts. The Community was willing to send me to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to earn a degree in art. I felt excited and went for an appointment with a counselor to share my thoughts. I said the proposal to get an art degree felt so good I thought I might be eating just desserts! He suggested if I took on the degree and career in art, I would find that my plate would be filled with mashed potatoes and vegetables alongside the desserts. It was a novel way to have me realize I would have a full plate as an artist.

I went forward in scheduling classes and enjoying a new direction in my life with the encouragement of our Leadership. My classes began on my birthday that year.