My daṇḍavat praṇām to our Guru-varga, to Śrīmatī Umā Dīdī, and to any Vaiṣṇava who might be reading this in the future.
Most of my incredible opportunity to have Dīdī’s association, and to do some tiny service for her, came from accompanying them during some of their preaching travels in Texas — as a driver, luggage carrier, and so on. Sometimes those would be long trips, most of the day spent together in the car and then later at different programs. Every part of it was incredible — truly a highlight of my year, since she would usually come every year.
One thing that especially stands out in my mind about Vaiṣṇavas in general — and Dīdī in a very distinguished way — is how connected, deep, and meaningful their every word and action is. It is as if Paramātmā really wants you to pay attention, to reach inside and grasp every bit of it deeply. Thus even the smallest nuggets would come with so much meaning, delight, and often humor. Yes, why not? :)
And those moments would often be unconventional and sharp, because Vaiṣṇavas do not think in stereotypes or ordinary social patterns.
One time, toward the end of her visit, I handed her some bills as a donation — more than usual, because my job situation had improved. We were sitting in the car: me in the driver’s seat, Dīdī to my right, and Raṅga Dīdī behind her. Dīdī immediately noticed the difference and, without saying anything else, started counting the bills aloud: “One, two, three…”.
Generally this would be considered very unconventional. Someone else in a similar position might try to appear detached or reserved about such things — but not Dīdī. She was always simply her beautiful, pure self. And because of that, the message would go directly into the heart. Raṅga and I began laughing a little, because it was actually so endearing, sweet, and funny in some deep inner way that only Vaiṣṇavas seem capable of communicating.
Another time, also toward the end of one of Dīdī’s visits, we were in the parking lot of a shopping center waiting for Raṅga Dīdī to bring something from the store. Dīdī gently smiled and said something like, “Yes, you will miss me for a few days.”
Meaning after she leaves soon.
Again, people normally do not say things like this. It is unconventional. But it was so true — expressed at exactly the right moment, in exactly the right way. As always, it connected and went deep. I already knew it was true because separation had already begun in my heart, simply knowing she would soon leave. That ability to “steal the heart” in such a natural and effortless way — again, only Vaiṣṇavas do this on such a level.
Feeling extremely grateful for these opportunities, and praying for more service and association of this kind, though such mercy is very rare and I am so undeserving of it.
— Viṣṇujana Dās