A sad day

I went to a funeral. It was such a sad day. The mist hung long into the day as we drove through the countryside to a village in Punjab. Crowds were gathered and emotions ran high. In the midst of a family’s profound grief, I got an insight into India and its people that I shall never forget. They’d lost a son in my country and they were understandably angry and looking for answers. But they welcomed me, a stranger, as a guest. I sat with them, and ate with them, and shared their grief. This gesture, of offering hospitality to a visitor even on the worst day a family could imagine, said much about the generosity of spirit of India’s people. I was deeply humbled. I’ll never forget them.