Can good come
from selfishness?

During a trip to Lithuania a few years ago, Boris went to the North Lithuanian city of Siauliai to see his grandmother’s sister before she died. At 97 she was the oldest surviving member of his family.

By Boris Vytautas Bakunas

I want to tell you a true story.  During a trip to Lithuania a few years ago, I drove to the city of Siauliai to see my grandmother’s sister before she died.  At 97 she was the oldest surviving member of my family.

My reason for visiting her was not only selfish, but it was based on an illusion.  By meeting her, I believed that I could reconnect in some mysterious way with my grandmother whom I had loved very much.  My motive was selfish because I visited the old woman so I could feel good.  I did it for me, not for her.

I didn’t really expect any reaction greater than customary courtesy and perhaps even mild interest.  Was I surprised!

When I entered the small cottage where she lived with her daughter and her son-in-law, I saw a table decked with delicacies, juice, brandy, and beer.  A bright red candle had been lit in my honor.  The room was so small that we had to huddle closely together around the table.  My great aunt and my cousin sat beside me.

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