View From Afar
Like many of you, I have been in absolute shock since the tragedy on December 26. Some of you have been proactive and sent me links and ideas about how to help. Many others have expressed relief that I am back in the Western Hemisphere. Still others have inquired about my friends and their well-being. I thank all of you for all of your thoughts and efforts. First, I don't know of any friends that were in Southern Thailand for the holidays. I have accounted for the two friends that were in Phuket when I left Thailand on December 14. Both had returned to Bangkok shortly before Christmas. For that I am thankful.
What of the thousands of others that are confirmed dead or are still missing and at this point presumed dead? I can only hope that their death was mercifully quick and that they are now at peace. So many of the dead in Thailand are tourists. People from all over the world flock to the beautiful beaches for sun and recreation at this time of the year. Such a terrifying end to