I have found the Indian community to be very warm and loving. 
I never feel I must be guarded in what I say. I feel comfortable enough to speak my mind. They do not make me feel like an outsider; they have accepted me as family. 

In respect to age, the Indian community treats me as mother and grandmother. 
The majority of ANC is Indian. We talk and have fun together and there is 
never a feeling of division such as "You're Indian" and "I'm American." 

Among my family I am happy to claim my Indian friends along 
with "blood family" and close friends. When I was ill, this extended "family" 
hastened my recovery by their concern: calls, visits, cards, gifts, and prayers. 
My apartment looked like it was a florist shop! 

With some of her closest 'blood family' members

I accuse my Indian friends of changing my sleeping habits. They eat dinner 
too late, go to bed too late and get too little rest. I can't believe my 
bedtime now is between 11pm and 12am. Formerly it was 9:30pm! 
(I must also add that Indians are not the most punctual people in the world.) 

The Indian family togetherness is also remarkable. I admire the values they 
pass on to their children; Art, good music, love of reading and academic 
achievement are emphasized from early childhood. Children are always 
reminded of their roots, their family culture, and language. 

My Indian friends enjoy partying -- always with plenty of food and 
conversation. (Children are always included.) The larger the crowd, the 
better. 

I believe my one contribution to my Indian friends is teaching them to verbalize 
"I love you". Thanks to my "extended family" from India my life has been 
made so much richer! I am thankful that I have them in my life and am 
eternally grateful for all they have given me.