On December 5, 1997, it was the King of Thailand's 70th birthday. I thought of doing something that would be memorable. So I handmade a card and wrote a few words on it. This was a card that I cross-stitched. It was a design of a Buddha image. From looking at the piece, one could see the words in Thai /ya hen gare tua/ meaning "don't be selfish." During the holiday season, I enjoyed cross-stitching this design. It brought me peace. I sent the cards to my nieces and nephews in Thailand on their birthdays, intending to instill in them Buddhism and the concept of unselfishness.
Thailand has been facing a very serious economic crisis. I was in Bangkok in August 1997, visiting my 81-year-old father who had a major surgery. Though it was an unexpected and urgent trip, I was happy to be home again. People were talking about how serious the economic situation has been. The taxi drivers entertained us with bits of news. One of them that I still remember is that most singers in the bars or restaurants were laid off because of low business. They had to return to their hometowns to resume farming and gardening. Bangkok is no longer a "heaven" city!
Reading the Bangkok Post Internet Edition allows me to keep up with news in Thailand. I can't help but feel sad to learn that such a "heaven" country turns into "hell" in such a short time. Is this because of greed and discontentment?
When Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai came into office, the government and the country were in a bad shape. Mr. Chuan wins most of the people's hearts because of his renowned honesty. He admitted that it's not easy to solve the problems. He asked all of us to help. It's impossible for him alone to solve the chronic problems. To me he is a good role model. Honesty, frugality, and modesty are some of his well-known characteristics.
So I decided to send the Prime Minister a greeting card telling him that though I reside in a foreign country, I am still concerned about my homeland. I will try to send U.S. dollars to be deposited in the bank in Thailand as much as I could afford. And may the Prime Minister have the protection from the Buddha.
I had no expectation that I would receive a message from him. All I wanted to do was to give him moral support. I didn't keep this action secret. I told almost every friend that I sent Mr. Chuan a greeting card. Some laughed at me and said that the Prime Minister is not going to see my card. It could be neglected among the big piles of mail that he receives. I said that I don't worry about that; I am certain that he's going to see my card; whether he will send me a thank-you note or not, I don't care; I just want to give my moral support, period!
During the holiday season, I drove 146 miles (one way) to Buddhadharma Meditation Center in Hinsdale to help with the preparation for the New Year celebration.
On January 28, 1998, we were so excited to give a warm welcome to President Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore who came to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to reaffirm the points of the State of the Union address. Another memorable day in my life!
Then came February 10. I came home from work quite tired. In the mailbox there were pieces of junk mail and a white envelope. Normally my mailbox is empty! So I was surprised and excited when I saw this white envelope from Thailand with the print in Thai letters /sor-kor-sor/ 2541 (B.E.) meaning "sending happiness 1998 A.D." on the left corner. My name and address were typed in large print. The postage was two stamps of the King of Thailand. There was no clue at all who sent it until I opened the envelope. My heart almost stopped beating! The Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Chuan Leekpai, sent me the New Year card! His artistic sketchings of flowers and trees from his hometown in the south of Thailand is the design of the card. Besides the printed official seal, the happy New Year greetings, and his stamped signature and position, what thrilled me was his cute handwriting saying "Thank you ... Khun (Miss) Varaporn" and his signed first name.
I couldn't keep this honored excitement all for myself. I called long distance to Thailand to tell my father. It's so funny that he asked "Did you send him money?" I replied, "No, father, I just sent him a greeting card like the one I sent you." Father said, "Very good. I'm happy too. Mr. Chuan is a good man."
Yes, Mr. Chuan is a good man. He deserves all the /gum-lung-jai/, meaning "moral support," from all Thais at home or abroad. Let's give him moral support as much as we can so that he can "navigate the ship" from the rough sea to the calm and clear water in the near future.
At this moment, I'd like to thank Prime Minister Chuan for the inspiration that enables me to write this composition.
Last but not least, I hope you enjoy reading this story. I just want to share my happiness with you. My best regards to you and your loved ones. For my friends in Thailand, "please hang in there!"
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