Little Wooden Bridge

Little did I realize that a little wooden bridge connecting myself to Phuket actually exists.

After hearing of the news about the tsunami disaster that devastated the south and southeast asian region, I haven't been able to keep myself from tuning in to CNN or BBC, or any news channel for that matter, to provide me with the latest developments. Although the images on TV are recycled bits of video footages already, I am still in awe and disbelief about what had happened, especially to Phuket and its immediate vicinity.

My relatively short, 3-day stay has somehow afforded me more than ample servings of appreciation of the place and its people. Being there and, actually, living among the locals for a few days is enough to make me share the profound sense of loss of the people who lost Family members and Friends.

All I could do is shake my head in disbelief everytime I am reminded of the calamity. It is rather surreal to look at the pictures we have from that same locale (pictures of my Wife and I in Phuket are situated just to the left of our television) and see the complete devastation of that very same place in the news. What adds to the surreal atmosphere is the realization of our intent to go back to Phuket's numerous, beautiful, and sparkling islands with our children in tow in the future. This plan we made as soon as we left the Phuket International Airport.

We may not be able to fulfill this plan in the very near future. In 3 or 5 years time, we may not be ready to face a Phuket that is still wounded from the lashing she took. It can be likened to one's reluctance to look at the face of a dear friend lying in a coffin. You'd rather remember them by how you last saw them. Healthy, hale, and hearty.

And Phuket may not be ready as well to welcome us back. Though she may be able to flash us her usual radiant smile, she is afraid that the pain she bears for the numerous souls that were lost in her arms might come out through a tear, or even a half-baked smile, or her breaking voice... She wouldn't want to unnecessarily burden the people with heavy feelings of guilt and sympathy. Phuket, and its many kin, know how to take care of the people who appreciate her. Anything less than sincere is not acceptable.

Phuket needs to recover and to rejuvenate. She will recover and rejuvenate, no doubt. And while we let her rest, let us offer her garlands of fond memories and prayers. The memories we have of her will help her remember how beautiful she was, while the prayers we send out in her favor will help provide her with STRENGTH - so she can be ever more vigilant and protective of her people, BOUNTY - so she can provide for more to the generations that will follow, and SERENITY - so she can care for the thousand souls that found solace in her bossom.

Though the mighty waves did destroy every thing possible, the Little Wooden Bridge we made for each other stayed true... as always.