a belated Thanksgiving post.
At the ripe ages of 70-something, my grandparents just recently moved into their new home a good half hour away from their last. It’s just the two of them and they had the company of my family quite often as we used to only be five minutes away. Even still, the change of location is ideal for them because it’s closer to the temple, where they spend the majority of their time. By majority that is, the only time they’re not there is to sleep. With this in mind, it is natural to question why they moved into this new “estate” that overlooks a golf course with all the amenities—they’re not the most technologically advanced people either. Knowing this would make my grandparents happy regardless of its impracticality, my aunt performed the selfless act of purchasing the house for them, along with all the necessities to furnish and maintain it.
Before seeing the house for the first time, we visited my grandfather at the temple this Thanksgiving. It was bittersweet to see him, knowing he had to spend the day alone and even worse, miss Thanksgiving dinner. But of course, he didn’t feel alone at all. His character is difficult to define, as he’s a vocal man, but also one who keeps to himself. For as long as I could understand, he’s always played with me, recited those well-known tales with a moral, and taught me all about religion and culture and only hoped that I would be as faithful as him. As fulfilling as his life has been, there have always been barriers and struggles; there is always a bright side, and for him it was finding God. There are not many instances that I would praise someone for “finding” God, but I am truly happy for him. The happiness and peace that he holds was ever-so-evident when we saw him. He’s currently residing at the local temple for the next three months being a substitute pujari, or priest. There have been a handful of times when he’s traveled up and down the east coast to be a substitute pujari at other temples. Being a pujari is of course a great honor, and the enthusiasm he holds is somewhat comforting. It’s mind blowing to witness someone so alone to be so happy. Of course, he’s not physically alone as he sees my grandmother on a daily basis (as long as he’s in town that is), he’s with God, he’s with his family at the temple, and he’s welcomed with open arms at the various temples he travels to. Even so, one who is away from home so often has to feel lonely at times. Regardless, his peace, tranquility, and happiness is so contagious that I felt safe and at peace myself when he was in my presence. His selflessness is so admirable, and it is now so easy to understand that those who are selfish and have everything in the world, will always be unhappy..whilst there are a small number of people like my grandfather who can be with “nothing” and still be euphoric.
View →