Karna Bahadur Basnet Salleri, Solukhumbu
“We were a group. A group of little boys and girls from the same neighbourhood. We did everything together. We would climb trees to steal mangoes while the farmer chased us. We would carelessly jump into the river and swim for hours. We would go to school singing and come home bruised. We were inseparable. But life took command and as we grew up we drifted apart. I met my childhood friends many times in the course of my life and I think what connected us were the stories of our childhood. Everything else was different. Today, I am the last one remaining, still carrying the burden of life on my shoulders. Though I am old and there is not much time left for me, I draw joy by looking at my grandchildren. Their laughter and their playfulness has taught me a lesson. They say better late than never. They have taught me that no matter your age, to truly live in this life is to remain a child at heart.”
