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That quote is from contemporary Vedic philosopher Swami Subramuniyaswami. It's a reminder that joy, like light, can brighten the darkest places of the human experience. After the El Paso mass shooting on August 03, 2019 which killed 22 people and injured 24 others, Antonio Basco was concerned that no one would attend the funeral of his wife who was one of the victims. He and his wife, Margie had no relatives nor many friends in El Paso.
Yet, on the day of her funeral, Basco walked into the La Paz Faith Memorial and Spiritual Center to a storm of applause and a procession of people wanting to hug him. The building was at capacity with 400 mourners. Outside, another 700 waited in nearly 100-degree heat to pay respects, according to funeral organizers. He spent two hours shaking hands and embracing people who had come to pay their respects and offer support. People came from different faiths and no faiths, from large cities and small towns. Flower arrangements were sent from as far away as Japan and New Zealand.
On the occasions when Basco looks back at that time in his life he will, of course, be saddened by the death of his wife but he will also be gladdened because 700 strangers showed up. Joy can be awakened when there is absolutely no reason.
Yet, on the day of her funeral, Basco walked into the La Paz Faith Memorial and Spiritual Center to a storm of applause and a procession of people wanting to hug him. The building was at capacity with 400 mourners. Outside, another 700 waited in nearly 100-degree heat to pay respects, according to funeral organizers. He spent two hours shaking hands and embracing people who had come to pay their respects and offer support. People came from different faiths and no faiths, from large cities and small towns. Flower arrangements were sent from as far away as Japan and New Zealand.
On the occasions when Basco looks back at that time in his life he will, of course, be saddened by the death of his wife but he will also be gladdened because 700 strangers showed up. Joy can be awakened when there is absolutely no reason.
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