Beauty

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." -Elizabeth Kubler Ros

I think one of the most important lessons I've learned here in India, is how to see true beauty. This is Koopamma, a leprosy patient who has not let anything get her down. The disease has already affected most of her body, from hair loss to losing her teeth, from losing her hands to losing her feet. When she contracted the disease, her family abandoned her. Now, if she sees her sons on the streets, they will walk away from her, not even look in her direction, as if she is not their mother at all. 


When I met Koopamma, all I saw was complete joy. When we got out of the van, she was full of so much joy and excitement for us to be there. She immediately hugged each of us and held our hands, saying "vanakkum, vanakkum!" As I washed her feet, although she was in pain, she made a point to attempt to make conversation, to let us know how grateful she was for us to be there. Her humility and gratitude showed her complete joy and happiness. Koopamma was truly beautiful. 


She was one of the first patients that I had a hard time leaving. I probably won't have the chance to go to that colony again during my time here, and that breaks my heart. I could've stayed with her all day. Koopamma taught me what a truly beautiful woman is.