The Unexpected Bliss

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During Maa's funeral, many people came to show the last respect. Most of them were friends whom I have known for a long time or from odiya community or family members. This is expected.

But sometimes unexpected things happen.

During the funeral I saw Ashok (a non-oriya) standing at the end of the funeral hall with his calm and blissful face. I was truly surprised but I felt good. Eventhough, I have known him for a very small time ... met him few times in Sacramento, I have felt the presence of his kind spirit. He came all the way from Sacramento on a Tuesday (taking a day off).

I was totally humbled and I could not think of a way to express what he did. It was totally an unexpected shower of kindness and so I wrote an email to him  few days after.

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Sept 5, 2015
Dear Ashok,

 Sometimes when you are driving early morning and see the beautiful sky ... you feel amazed and blissed.  I feel the same way when I saw you .. it was a surprise and comforting. Thank you for taking time to come and giving us the support in the time on need.  Although we have met for brief moments .. but I feel I know you for a much longer time .. and that's because of your blissful friendship.

Thank you!
Prasanta

Ashok replied...

Dear Prasanta,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I know it's always a difficult time for anyone to incur such a huge loss in life that will leave a forever void in one's life & when I heard the news, I just wanted to come to pay my condolences, pray for the departed soul & be there with you.

It may sound strange to you but I always felt connected to you besides our very limited & short meetings and do admire you for your simplicity, knowledge & wisdom like an elder brother. You are in my prayers & thoughts. Hope your trip to India goes smooth. Travel safe!!

 Ashok
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The words he said I had not expected ... someone unknown had so much love and affection. It is beyond words ... This is a bliss!!  


Could I have done that? I was not sure. Bapa told me a story of how he skipped his Ph.D adviser's mother's funeral because of rain. Later the adviser told him that, he was looking forward to see his Ph.D students for comfort. He told them, it's okay to skip a birthday or marriage ceremony but don't miss to pay the last respect even if you may not know that person very well because funeral only happens once. Do not miss it!
I remember a sign, which I saw everyday while coming back from High School in a bus (in 80's) near Burla Medical College; the sign said "Expect the Unexpected".  I guess life is like that…it is the unexpected which makes life interesting and blissful.


 
In this Thanksgiving weekend, I am grateful to have friends like Ashok, who has helped me see the world in a completely new way. The unexpected way!!! 


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