I have many memories of my childhood but one incident stands out. It was a Sunday and I was in the church. A wedding was taking place that day. The bride, obviously from a rich family, was covered with different types of gold ornaments. She had many chains, necklaces, bangles, bracelets and rings. The reception was in the parish hall nearby. After the wedding, in the church, the people began to rush to the parish hall for the reception and the sumptuous meal awaiting them.
The bridegroom, a handsome youth, was holding the hand of his bride and together they were walking towards the hall. Suddenly a poor woman, carrying a pale, sickly child appeared before them. The bride suddenly stopped and looked at the woman. The people around were trying to drive away the woman but the bride told them not to do that. She gave a sign to the poor woman to come closer. Then suddenly she removed one of her golden chains and gave it to the poor woman. To the wonderstruck bridegroom the smiling bride said, “Dear, I can manage with one chain less. Let the poor woman and her child have an enjoyable day today.
I’m sure we’ll be more happy.” I will never forget the smile on the face of the poor woman.
