Gracious Host

Jane and I are in Barcelona. It’s wonderful visiting our son, his beautiful Spanish wife and our, of course, exceptional grandchildren. Spanish hospitality envelops us, especially through the efforts of Ana.

She’s not family. Met our son and family only a few months ago. She exudes acceptance, hospitality, graciousness.

She has taken us on a personal tour of the city. She loves the place, knows its history and gives details about its architecture. She exudes a love for and an admiration of the people of her city. She serves us a dinner with refinement. We sit together in the ornate Gaudi’-inspired Music Hall and listen to a powerful performance of Haydn’s “Creation". As we part she presents me with a marvelous picture book on the exotic architecture of her city.

After Ana drops us off at our son’s home, I ask him to tell me more about our marvelous host. He gives the usual data re marriage, children, and employment history. He concludes: Her father and mother, you know, were executed by the fascist dictator Francisco Franco who ruthlessly killed any opposition leaders, often dumping their bodies into mass graves. Ana’s dad was the former mayor of Barcelona and it cost him his life.

How does a child survive the execution of her parents? How can bitterness be mitigated? What resources can strengthen the soul to enjoy beauty and reach out with tenderness and affirmation to strangers?