Soul curry: The magic of giving::Anjan Santra in Bangalore : Philosophy blog at Rediff iLand

I believe everyone in their lifetime comes across a bit of magic that reminds them of the importance of the word ‘give’.

The incident, which reminded me of the well known saying “it's more
blessed to give than to receive” happened a few weeks before my
sister's wedding. With a heavy heart, I left the wedding cheer at home
for another town to attend some important lectures. My parents had the
room ready and waiting for me and as I entered, I walked into what
seemed like a Christmas floral shop. Red poinsettias and other bouquets
crowded the windowsill, along with a stack of cards that waited to be
opened. I felt overwhelmed by the love and attention.

Just then, a voice broke into my reverie. “Hey, I'll be sharing the
room with you,” said the 20-something girl who had stepped into the
room. She had short, curly grey hair and brown eyes. She stared at the
flowers with child-like wonder. She introduced herself as Dollie and we
chatted on till it was time for dinner. Not once did she mention her
family and neither did I ask. Being in her company, life suddenly
seemed easier and she also continued to exclaim excitedly at the cards
and flowers I continued to receive.

On our last evening together, Dollie decided to visit the market. As I
walked through the room alone, I noticed for the first time the stark
contrast between our sides of the room. There was Dollie's bed that
stood neat and sparse except for a red candlebra with holy sprigs,
which she had brought along. In fact, I realised I had never seen her
getting any calls either during her stay. In contrast, my bed was
filled with gifts and I was flooded with calls from friends and family.

I decided to give her something of mine as a parting gift. I looked
around at the things I had and wondered if I could part with any of it.
Of course, I couldn't give mom and dad's Yule log with candles, I
thought.

What about the new jacket? But, then, my sister badly wanted me to wear
it when I reached home. The justifications kept coming even as I
climbed onto my bed, placating my guilt by promising myself to call the
nearby gift shop to order some flowers for Dollie the next day.

I
awoke the next morning with thoughts of returning home, with some of
the guilt resurfacing as I remembered that the gift shop wouldn't open
for another two days. Moreover, Dollie's train was scheduled before
mine.

“I've really enjoyed getting to know you, Dollie,” I finally told her.
My words were sincere but I felt guilty for not having followed up on
my intentions.

To my surprise, she picked up her only possession, the red candled
centre-piece, and gently laid it in my hands. “I'll miss you,” she
said, giving me a big hug. “Thank you,” is all I could manage to
whisper. As she left I dropped my moist eyes to the small memento in my
hand...“Dollie's only gift”, I thought, “and she gave it to me.”

As I heard the doors closing behind Dollie, I knew in my heart that she possessed much more than I did.