Saying Hello

Just before 1pm, the Ashram began to buzz with anticipation of Amma’s arrival back from Sri Lanka.   As usual, the question was which entrance would Amma arrive through.  Most people anticipated the north entrance – Her car would pass by the Girl Student Dorm, past the Flats, through the gate, past the Temple, and around the back, dropping Her off at the entrance to Her house.   Many people had started to gather near the front of the Temple, hoping to catch a glimpse of Her, or touch Her hand as She extended it out of the opened window.   At the base of Amma’s home, another group had formed.   I had hoped to wait around to see Amma, but I had to go to the Canteen to open the Seva Desk at 1pm – during lunch.  I also had to check with the serving team to see who was going on tour and who was staying.  So I headed there.  There was already a line of about 50 or so people waiting for lunch.  It was actually quite crowded.  The sandy area just outside the cafe was filled with stacks of sound equipment waiting to be loaded on the truck.   I just finish talking with the lunch servers when I see this familiar white car drive through the gate.  It stopped just short of the equipment.  Could it be Amma?   There was no motorcade, no sirens, just this one car that casually drove up.   The doors started to open and I first saw a body clad in red cloth come out.  It was Swamiji.  It was Amma’s Car!   Despite the crowd that was right there, no one seemed to notice.  Maybe they were too focused on their upcoming meal.!   I stopped short of screaming out loud to everyone that it was Amma.  Sure enough though, as Amma started to walk through the maze of speakers and onto the pathway along the hall, She surprised everyone in site.   Stretching out Her arms, Amma walked gracefully along the path towards Her home.  Those in sitting in the canteen suddenly rushed towards Her.   I walked slightly behind Her.  As she walked through the gate near the hut in front of Her home, even those gathered at the base of her home failed to notice that Amma was right there – they were all focused in the other direction – where they thought Amma’s car would drive through.  Suddenly, one by one, startled faces turned around and saw Amma approaching.   She walked up the stairs, one last glance down at Her children, then turned the corner.

Sri Pati
25 February 2007