December 26 2004
Hi! Sometimes a date in a calendar means different things to different people. However, on 26 Dec 2004, many felt the pain, shock and despair when Tsunami hit Malaysia, Thailand and many other countries around this region.
Jefferson, Cornelius, myself and Carol - we were in Phuket visiting Grandma. We do that every other year with the family. On that faithful day, we were just reeling over a good reunion dinner at Phuket Country Club where we had almost everyone from the family there. Granny is a total gem and we will never missed it for the world. On the eve of arriving at Phuket on 24 Dec, there was a major crowd at the airport but thanks to Aunt Tooky, she got us off from the airport very quickly.
It was a great Christimas eve dinner with all the family members being there and of course catching up.
On the 26 Dec, we decided to visit Patong Beach. Somehow, we never knew how close we were to the most horrifying tragedy on that faithful morning. Thanks to my 2 sons, we ended up looking for Baskin and Robbins at Phuket Central and we missed the Tsunami by 20 minutes. Till today, I must say that we were very lucky to be alive.
Again, to all family members who may have lost loved ones during that time, we hope the healing power of time will bring solace and peace to your broken hearts. May god bless those who perish in this tragedy.
I am glad to have the boys and a lovely wife with me still.
