We are a bit concerned here, upon hearing the news about the earthquake centered in Indonesia. Wednesday, Dear Husband's third son flew to Japan to meet his wife, and then they flew to Phukat, Thailand for the Christmas holidays.
We didn't know where they were planning to be in Thailand until this evening, and the news from Phukat is on the grim side. Those who were sunbathing at the edge of the water or snorkeling, or scuba diving apparently were lost as the tsunamis rolled in.
We have not heard from the kids, but we are thinking positively about this. Third son is a geologist, so he would have known to go to high ground when they felt the earthquake. I'm assuming that it's nearly impossible to get a line out, or in, at the moment, so we are going to wait for word, and do our best not to worry.
I'd appreciate any form of good thought you care to send on their behalf, but your prayers would be really appreciated.
UPDATE:
There may be a ray of hope here.... The kids have not been able to call, but they did leave an itinerary with Third Son's mother. Thru the grapevine, we've heard that they intended to go to Bangkok first, so they may be safe, if stranded. Bangkok is a coastal city, but it's on the Gulf of Thailand, and may have been sheltered from the tsunami that hit Phuket. I think the kids may have a slightly different holiday than expected. We'll continue to hope for their safe return.
UPDATE #2:
They're SAFE!!! Third Son's mother managed to find the travel agent that made the arrangements, and together they traced where the kids had gone from Japan. It turns out they were in Bangkok when the tsunami hit Phuket, and are safe. They got a phone call at 3:00 a.m. their time with a VERY angry mother asking why they hadn't called to reassure us that they were safe. She also suggested that our daughter-in-law needed to call her family.
Perhaps it's a function of their age. Maybe they didn't realize we would all be concerned about them. I can't tell you how relieved I am to know that they weren't snorkling at Phuket when the tsunamis hit.
From the grapevine, we think they will be flying to Singapore, and then on to Japan. Please, God, if you could spare the time with so many lost and grieving, could you send them home to us safely?
Thank you, everyone, for your kind words as we worried for the kids.
Comments (18)
Buffy,
I am so sorry to read this and to think of how worried you and your DH must be. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know if you get any news.
One thing - think of all the people who read your blog regularly and all their thoughts and prayers going out.
Praying that all turns out well.
Posted by Adele | December 27, 2004 7:31 AM
Posted on December 27, 2004 07:31
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. And, yes, from what I heard communications is almost impossible at the moment.
Another blogger I know, has a mom who lives in Guam. Talked to her and she said her mom is OK as she is in Japan this month on business.
I'll be thinking about you.
Posted by Wichi Dude | December 27, 2004 8:37 AM
Posted on December 27, 2004 08:37
Thinking of you and your family, Buffy. I sat up in bed, horrified, when the news came on over BBC yesterday morning. Waiting for news is so hard.
Posted by Cop Car | December 27, 2004 8:55 AM
Posted on December 27, 2004 08:55
My thoughts are with you Buffy. The waiting has got to be angst producing, and I do hope that 'husbands third son' can and does get in touch with you all, soon!
Posted by Desiree | December 27, 2004 9:49 AM
Posted on December 27, 2004 09:49
Thank you, Adele, WichiDude, Cop Car and Desiree for your very kind thoughts. You can see from the update, that the kids may very well be safe, if stranded. We'll wait to see if they manage to get a call through. They may wait until they have information on their trip home to call.
You know, timing is everything. I want to throttle Third Son. He was saying to Second Son the other day....."You know, there's been a lot of activity in the Ring of Fire this year....."
Posted by Buffy | December 27, 2004 3:17 PM
Posted on December 27, 2004 15:17
I'm hoping that everything works out fine.
Posted by bogie | December 28, 2004 8:54 AM
Posted on December 28, 2004 08:54
Buff you are in my prayers! I hope you hear of them soon!
Posted by Joe Smitherman | December 28, 2004 12:22 PM
Posted on December 28, 2004 12:22
Me, too, Bogie! It's after noon on Tuesday, and we still haven't heard, but we're hoping for the best. It's possible that they are safe and sound and haven't given it any thought that we are worried for them. I refuse to dwell on negative possibilities. I'd rather hope for the best.
Joe, thanks for your prayers, hon!
Posted by Buffy | December 28, 2004 1:40 PM
Posted on December 28, 2004 13:40
Buffy, I'm very very glad to hear they are safe. I took heart at reading your concern when you didn't know they were safe and I have typed up our full itinerary for our coming trip and mailed a copy to my mom, and emailed a copy to hubbys parents so they'll know where we are should there be any concern.
Posted by Desiree | December 29, 2004 1:14 AM
Posted on December 29, 2004 01:14
Great news!
Posted by bogie | December 29, 2004 8:17 AM
Posted on December 29, 2004 08:17
Glad to hear everyone's OK. I hope the DIL made that call. It will give another family some much needed relief.
(hope you still have some fingernails left after all this.)
Posted by Wichi Dude | December 29, 2004 9:12 AM
Posted on December 29, 2004 09:12
Des, I'm so glad that someone has learned from this experience! We frequently do itineraries, but we usually leave them with DH's son who lives with us, not with our entire family. Now, I think I'll share the itinerary with one of my sisters, just to be on the safe side. My DIL's Mother didn't even know the kids were going to Thailand, so you can imagine how upset SHE was when we made calls to see if she knew where they were staying! Bless you for making sure your family knows how to find you in case of emergency. Think of it as a sort of insurance...similar to carrying an umbrella to ward off the rain. *S*
Yes, bogie....it IS great news!
Wichidude, I still have my nails....barely! I'll have to see if my DIL has called home. I'm sure once she found out that her mother knew where she was, she made the call right away.
Posted by Buffy | December 29, 2004 9:54 AM
Posted on December 29, 2004 09:54
I know you are releived girl. Glade all is well!
Posted by Joe Smitherman | December 29, 2004 9:36 PM
Posted on December 29, 2004 21:36
Three cheers for their safety and for their having left an itinerary.
Posted by Cop Car | December 30, 2004 12:12 AM
Posted on December 30, 2004 00:12
Good to hear they are fine.
All the best for 2005 to you and yours Buffy!
Posted by Dr. D. | December 30, 2004 8:41 AM
Posted on December 30, 2004 08:41
Thanks, Joe!
Cop Car....rule of thumb from now on.....leave itineraries with at least TWO members of the family!
Thanks, Dr. D! We hope you'll have a great 2005!
Posted by Buffy | December 30, 2004 9:19 PM
Posted on December 30, 2004 21:19
my prayers are with you my husband and i are in the military and he was shipped to Tailand to assist with the disaster relief... good luck and dont give up.
Posted by melinda | January 3, 2005 9:27 PM
Posted on January 3, 2005 21:27
Thank you, melinda! The kids are safe, and our son is on his way home. I hope your husband stays safe, as he helps with the relief.
Posted by Buffy | January 4, 2005 3:28 PM
Posted on January 4, 2005 15:28