I AM ONE LUCKY BASTARD

The news of another earthquake in Indonesia last night brought shivers like icy water poured on me. My vision blurred and all I hear from the broadcaster was “earthquake”, “7.9”, “tsunami” over and over again.

I want to face this fear once and for all.
I never talked about it – until now.

I spent Christmas in Phuket in 2004. I had my girlfriend with me who was working as a flight attendant with an airline that flies back and forth Phuket and Japan. I remember we had a little fight the day before and we spent Christmas Day without talking to each other.

Just before night time, maybe she couldn’t take my attitude any longer --
I found all her belongings gone! I knew she took the flight slot she previously swapped with a co-worker so I went straight to the airport.

I found her, preparing to fly. I asked her to stay. But she said she had enough of me. I really didn’t know what to do – I loved her so much!
So I took the flight with her to Japan to talk it over.

The next morning, the tsunami hit Phuket and killed more than 5,000 people. Three thousand more were missing.

For 5 straight days I was in total shock, I couldn't talk! -- I could see myself in the television among the victims. If I didn't take the flight that midnight ... I could've been one of 'em. I only had 9 hours!

For almost 2 years I never go anywhere near the ocean.The thought of going back to Phuket distress me to alarming level.

I thought that if the tsunami spared me in 2004, the next time – it won’t.



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