My dad died March 22. I rushed back from Vietnam but didn't quite make it in time. I arrived about 10 hours after he passed. Even though I knew I had missed him, I was driving on adrenalin and got from Dulles to Wilmington, Del., in about 1 hour, 50 minutes. My brother told my dad I was on my way, but I think my dad had already decided it was time to move on. Ninety-eight is a long life. The viewing, mass, funeral, all went well .... as well as those kinds of things go. Saw all my kids and a lot of family, and that was good.
Moving on ....
I guess Vietnam is just about halfway around the world, because I've flown there twice and have gone two routes -- across the Pacific, and across the Atlantic. Either way, it's 23 hours or so in the air. Taking the east to west route I stopped in Doha, Qatar, and enjoyed the airport for a seven-hour layover. No alcohol, but there is a smoking room. The smoking room was like the bar scene in Star Wars -- I sat between an Italian and a really tall, blonde Russian girl. There were Filippinos, Vietnamese, Brits, Germans and everyone in-between. Ah, smoking ... the universal language. The smoking room was extra unhealthy because there were no fans or vents operating, and it was so smoke-filled you literally had trouble seeing across the 12-foot room. If that room doesn't turn you off to smoking, nothing will. I've only had one cigarette since I've been in there. I'm still trying to decompress.
It's great to be back in Vietnam, even if it was close to 100 and unbearably humid on Sunday. (It was cold and it snowed when I was back in Delaware.) But in Bien Hoa, the hotel ladies gave me a warm welcome, the smoothie youngsters were clearly happy to see me, and my boss gave me my schedule. Back to work tomorrow, which is a good thing. Teaching these students, just like the students in Peru, isn't like work at all. This is fun, so I'll enjoy it while I can.
John, such a mix of emotions, time zones, and cultures to absorb in such a short amount of time can make it tough to shut off the brain. Make sure you get your rest. Sounds like the smoking room will be one of those experiences that lasts with you forever but always be impossible to truly describe. How deliciously bizarre. I remember being abroad and the joyous singularity of being a citizen of the world. But sometimes that existence of 'living off the grid' can come with a penetrating sense of loneliness. Thanks for this blog and your Facebook presence so we can all be along for the ride. And keep doing what you were called to do: God's work - improving the lives of so many people you had never known before.
ReplyDeleteThanks Max. So far so good and it's great making new friends. You sorta have to or you could get lonely.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear of your loss but as you said, 98 is a long life. Wow. That is very special. I'm glad you saw your family and your kids, whom I remember as youngsters and it's amazing to see your photos of them all grown and looking great.
It's very enjoyable to see your photos and read this blog and experience your journeys. I wish you continued success and great travels.
All is good here in Baltimore/Wash., D.C. Jenny and the kids (6 and 10) are great and I'm very happy in my 13th year with the air traffic controllers' union.
All the very best.
-Doug Church
Thanks Doug. You're one of the reasons I lasted as long as I did in journalism.
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