One of my favorite movie quotes comes from The Straight Story:
“When my kids were real little I used to play a game with them. I’d give each one of them a stick and I’d say, ‘You break that.’ Of course they could real easy. Then I’d say, ‘Tie them sticks in a bundle and try to break that.’ Of course, they couldn’t. Then I’d say, ‘That bundle…that’s family.”
Today, after Dwi had helped me meet with a priest, had purchased an altar and cloth for me, had collected holy water from the priest for me, and had driven me not only to the priest but also to the elephant cave and back to the hotel, we invited me, my dad, Betty Alice, and Kathy to his home for dinner with his family.
We sat around with his daughters and his parents, and his wife Nyoman, and Zoyu (Kathy’s student from Beijing) and talked and laughed, and then were served the most amazing home-cooked Balinese meal. After the meal, Dwi’s family gave me presents to bring back to Tamara and Mateus, and a handmade black, white, and red bracelet made by Ade for me. I am so touched back their generosity, caring, helpfulness, and friendship. They are truly family.
