I feel lucky

Today is one of those lucky days for me. I decide to make a visit the meditation center in Montebello with Mr. Shukla and his family. His daughter has prepared dinner for me, but today is one of my fasting days. Mr. Shukla sounds impressed, but shows his concern and asks her to get me apple juice. As I thank him, he takes my face in his hands, and says, "Kiddo, I've fed your father when he was in diapers, so don't even attempt keep things formal with me. You and your dad...your "thank yous" and "sorries" never end." Later on, he feeds me some sweets in the car (we are allowed to eat sweets for this fast) and asks me if I would like to go the Lake Shrine with him. Sure, we'll go Saturday, we decide. He tells me that the swans in the Lake Shrine are considered to be very lucky. I promise to take a better photo of the swan pair next time.

When we finally get to the center, we meditate and pray for a good hour. Mr. Shukla fills a plate with food and puts it in my hands- "the day is over. You are allowed to break your fast at this hour" The meal is delicious- we eat together and he mentions how close he is to my family. He talks to me about my great grandmother, who we all call "Bai" out of sheer respect. She passed away when I was 4, but I have fuzzy memories of her- her porcelain skin, light brown hair, green eyes, sweet yet bossy nature. She was very attached to me and would take me out with her whenever she had the chance. I recall, when I was 3, she dressed me up in a long magenta skirt and took me to a fair where I danced to the beat of her clapping hands, my curls bouncing and a mischievous smile playing on my lips. "Bai was wonderful and she would ask me to accompany her to all her favorite spiritual hangouts" Shuklaji mentions. This man reminds me of my grandfather. He will be going back in a few weeks and I will miss these conversations with him. His daughter's family is set to move to Chicago in June- I wish for more friends like these who care for me so much and who know my family so deeply.