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Articles: Devotion | A basket of burdens
- Prof. venkata ramanamurty mallajosyula
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Some years ago, a group of conventioneers gathered at a ski resort to conduct their annual meeting. Hundreds of conventioneers came from every part of the country - young and old, rich and poor, and in all shapes and sizes. They shared common interests, though their backgrounds and careers were quite varied.
Twenty of the conventioneers were put up at a large Bed and Breakfast near the outskirts of town. After a few days, the guests became better acquainted, friendships developed, and a camaraderie was felt within the group. But one night, the stories around the fireplace took a different twist. The conversation turned serious when Mike, a young man in his 20's, confessed that he had just been diagnosed with cancer. While it was treatable and he stood an excellent chance of being cured, he was nonetheless distraught.
A middle aged couple, Tom and Cheryl, offered their support and understanding. They had just been informed that their child needed a kidney transplant. The news had been emotionally devastating to the family. A woman tearfully explained how she had recently lost her husband to a car accident. Another person told he had just lost his job and was at his wit's end. The evening turned gut-wrenching as others began to describe horrible aspects of their 'normal' lives, or lives of their loved ones. From depression and drug addiction, to eating disorders and relationship problems — no one seemed immune from some sort of hardship.
Finally, an elderly gentleman — a man who was at the convention by himself, and only known to the group as Mr. Hayes, interjected himself into the conversation. Mr. Hayes had a distinguished look about him, and while no one knew exactly where he came from, he spoke with a gentle voice that engendered confidence and assuredness. During the past days, he had smiled and laughed, evidently enjoying the company, but he had not said much. People just looked at him and thought he was a 'nice old man.'
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