Tsunami> Our Story

[Cruise Cynic]

For those who have asked privately, I unfortunately do not have time right now to reply to everyone, so I hope this post is of assistance. As some know, Mrs. Cynic is a native of Sri Lanka, from a suburb of Columbo called Ratmalana. Her family moved to Canada as refugees 18 years ago because of sectarian violence perpetrated upon her family (house burned by a mob and Uncle murdered by same). They have been residents of refugee camps for almost a year in Sri Lanka, and have intimate knowledge of what the survivors are experiencing at this moment, specifically a gross lack of sanitation, and fighting for food tossed off a truck.

To answer specific questions, all loved ones back "home" are safe and accounted for. The phone lines have been erratic to the extreme all week. Mrs. Cynic's mother, who lives with us, was quite concerned for her siblings for a while, as, in particular her sister, is being distantly supported by her in a convent for the aged. It seems that luck has played a part, as this particular Auntie was moved (two years ago) from a facility that was destroyed by the wave. Over Christmas, Mrs. Cynic's sister brought video taken of Sri Lanka taken during their trip back at this time last year. Some lovely places on the video are now on television, totally smashed beyond recognition.

Mrs. Cynic's brother, now residing near Vancouver, refuses to watch the television, as the carnage brings back memories of the violence (he witnessed the death of his Uncle) 18 years back, when he was 17, and was called upon by authorities to identify the body.

This year, above all others, we have learned to count our blessings twice over. This could happen anywhere, including the Jersey Shore or even Chicago, for that matter.

Thank you for sharing. I just can't imagine what it is like, nor the magnatude of it all. The thought of trying to rebuild is so mind boggling. It is just so heart breaking. My thoughts and prayer to all who have been touched by this tragedy.

VTJen

[MichelleP]

Wow, I'm so glad that everyone in your wife's family is safe and accounted for. My prayers continue to be with those affected by this horrible tragedy.

Cheers,
Michelle P.

[KimJack]

It must be very difficult for your wife's family to watch the TV accounts of the awful situation in Sri Lanka. My prayers go out for her and all her family members. During my years in Indonesia, I visited Aceh province on Sumatra several times. Even now, many years later, it's devastating for me to see what's happening to those poor people's lives. Let's all contribute what we can to ease the suffering in South Asia.

Jack

[rollerdonna]

Cynic, I had no idea about Mrs. Cynic's family. I'm glad everyone is all right, but it must be heartbreaking for her to watch the coverage on TV - it's hard enough for us who are not touched personally by this tragedy. I used to work with a lovely Sri Lankan woman, a kinder, gentler soul you'd never meet. I wonder now, how she and her family have been affected by this disaster.
Thank you for sharing your story.

donna

[Phyllbo]

Thanks for the information. I'm sorry to hear of all that your wife and her family have been through. I'm glad that they are all safe, either here or in Sri Lanka. My prayers are with them and those that are living in those areas hit by the tsunami.

Phyll

[Kuki]

Glad to hear your wife's family came through the devastation in tact. As I've said in other threads, even with all the news coverage, video and pictures, the true horror of the devastation is still unimaginable to me.

[Trip]

Thank you so much for sharing your family with us.The impact on them, by all the news coverage, must be overwhelming. Thankfully, you have a happy ending for those overseas. The world's heart is aching.....

[Brenda in Canada]

Cruise Cynic, Sorry to hear about Mrs.Cynic's family. Things are often so horrible for people in those countries who have now been devastated by the Tsunami. Mother Nature can sure do some horrendous things!!
I hope aid can come to her town swiftly.
Sincerely, Brenda in Vancouver

I've served with the American Red Cross and have been dispatched to several disasters over the years.None can compare to what took place last week.The worst I saw in my experience was what was left on the barrier islands off Charleston, SC after Hurricane Hugo struck.And that didn't even compare to the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew or any of the hurricanes in Florida this past summer and fall. To multiply that by the thousands still wouldn't show the complete obliteration that has taken place overseas.
I'm glad that Mrs.Cynic's family is OK. It must have been gutwrenching to see those first TV pictures. You're right. Heaven help us if a Tsunami ever hit our coast and heavily populated areas. It's hard to watch the devastation but also hopeful to see the faith and resiliance in the those local populations as they try to get their lives back into some kind of order. Lynne

[bigjohn461]

Thank you for opening up yours and your wifes hearts to share that with us Cynic.It is now always that easy. I just pray for your wife's family as I have been praying for all that have been affected..take care now.

[Dorothy]

Thanks Cynic, for telling your story. It made it much more "real" to me, although in a terrible way. I'm glad Mrs. Cynic's family is ok.

dorothy