Scattered Pearls

from Sarah Trefethen Whitehorn

Early 1980's: There was an outdoor patio party at the Kalapa Court in Boulder, for the Court staff. I attended, as I was on the kitchen service staff. I remember wearing a nice black cocktail dress, and a pearl necklace.

Rinpoche was walking around the patio, greeting the guests. I was quite new as a staff person, and had never spoken to him. His eyes met mine, and I saw that he was walking toward me. I was quite nervous; I did not know what I would say to him. Just as he stood in front of me, my strand of pearls broke off my neck, and the pearls scattered around the patio floor. I was so surprised, and quickly began to gather up the pearls. When I looked up, he was gone.