When I traveled to India to visit our dear friends, the Sham Sunders, I knew it would be a life-altering journey for me. I was getting ready to celebrate a “big birthday” and I was hoping for an experience that would mark the milestone in my life. I was not disappointed. It came in the middle of a fourteen-hour drive south of Bangalore.

Late morning we stopped along the road where a family was harvesting silkworms. The vision of dozens of circular rattan trays stacked on wooden racks, each tray nestling hundreds of shimmering white cocoons, stopped me in my tracks. Never having seen anything like this before, my genuine awe and delight must have drawn many villagers to us. As they encircled us, I was touched by the warmth and graciousness of these people. A man stepped forward, pointed to his home across a dry, dusty field and invited us to meet his family.

As we followed our host, a beautiful little girl skipped out of the entrance of her home - a patchwork tent made of worn blankets. With a huge, open smile, she offered me a cup of water. When I bent down to look into her eyes and thank her, I saw her mother behind her, hidden in the shadows of the tent, smiling with great pride at her adorable, courageous daughter. We looked at each other, mother to mother, and in that instant our connection transcended all the miles, language and cultural differences. The entrance of the tent framed her face lovingly, for the surrounding opening was adorned with a woven garland of golden wheat and dried flowers. This was her handmade door decoration, her message to the world — this is our home… you are welcome. The lesson I was seeking was captured in this humble door decoration — the lesson of gratefulness. Being grateful…grateful for what we have — a castle, cottage, apartment or tent — this is what adds meaning to our lives.

Upon my return, I made a commitment to myself that I would welcome everyone with a handmade door decoration and create a powerful first impression for invited guests and passersby. I do this in honor of the Indian mother who wove her own garland into my heart and welcomed me into her home.

- Tanis