Ana

     Another woman who had a great influence in my life was my maternal grandmother whom we called Ana. My mother fell very ill after I was born and so it was Ana who took over her role in my life during my initial years.

         I was Ana's shadow everywhere. I would never leave her side. If she went to milk the cows, I was right behind her carrying my own little bucket. If she went to collect the eggs, I followed straight after with my basket. When she went to nurture her kitchen garden, I accompanied her with my own tiny spade. I visited all the Buddhist pilgrimages with Ana - Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Rajgriha, Nalanda, Rewalsar (Tso Pema). I was the first grandchild in my large joint family and so I became the cynosure of all eyes.

         With the passage of time, I moved to a hostel. Many other grandchildren joined the family keeping Ana as busy as ever. I stopped becoming her shadow but I knew I always had my own little nook in her heart.

       Today Ana is over 93 years old, matriarch of our huge family. She is the epitome of sacrifice, resilience, compassion, love and goodness. I know her blessings and prayers are with me everyday. No one can take her place in my life.
         ....For me, she will always remain my very special Ana.