Dying Girlfriend?

[richardb]

I have edited my previous post somewhat.

Yarpy the Bill was going through the roof the bill and had hit 4 figures on day two and was climbing to the extent that it was increasing by the minute. The Bill when my mate phoned me for authorisation that I would pay the final bill had already increased by the time he went to the cash desk with the cash. I think the final bill was short of 2k GBP.

Given Aoms condition and given that she had been discharged from the Banglamung, an English friend having been told that she was fine and getting better!!! ie released to die, I had absolutely no choice. Aom as you know did not make it but I can tell you I would gladly give ten times that figure and more if I had it to have her back and well.

I was lucky in that the guys from the Camillian Centre weighed in and they knew their stuff. I think one of the guys will not mind me quoting him in describing the confrontation he had with one doctor who was being obstructive to Aoms moving to the Camillian Centre. He ripped the doctor a new ###### ( with good reason ) though I understand from many sources that that the treatment at the BPH for HIV is second to none.

The Camillian Centre also are top specialists in their field ( look at the website to see the drugs they use ) and no one is charged even one Baht for their treatment. I was lucky that people who know their stuff weighed in to the extent that they were able to even negotiate for the private ambulance to take Aom from the BPH to the Camillian.

At the Camillian Centre Aom was not a number a revenue generator. I have no reason to believe that Aoms treatment at the BPH was anything other than professional I simply say that at the Camillian Centre she was treated with love and affection as well as with modern anti-retrovirals.She immediately responded to her welcome and the hugs she received. She was no longer a scared and confused girl facing death alone. Aom smiled and chattered happily to her new friends. Aom had her dignity, her sense of fun back and hope.

I have no date yet for the drunkatholon but would still urge people who may want to help to either look at the Bahtbus.com forum or here

http://thailand-uk.com/groupee/forums/a/tp...05767#922105767

Richard

[Fossil]

[

I have no date yet for the drunkatholon but would still urge people who may want to help to either look at the Bahtbus.com forum or here 

Richard and others,

It is looking very likely that the date for the Drunkathalon will be November 29th. This is lucky as anyone who ventures to this Grand Event will have the honour or disappointment of seeing not only my ugly mug, but meeting a bunch of fair dinkum guys and girls, whom, fun nothwithstanding, are all getting together to help those who cannot help themselves.

Any charity drive for any decent institution is always worth every satang that gets raised.

On this said Drunkathalon, you will also be able to laugh your respectives heads off at the bumbling attempts of the "contestants" to play games for which the human body was not designed for.

But with all this jocularity, there is a serious side to this whole thing. This entire thread should have made it quite clear by now !

Now for shameless plug....

Any person who is planning on being in Pattaya in November, is more than welcome to join in the festivities. Anyone who can't make it but would still like to participate in their own way, the best option would be to help make this an absolutely ballbreaker of an event, by donating whatever amount that one can afford or desire. No amount is too small, or big for that matter, because as I and others have said before, every single baht does some good.

Richard, I don't know if you are planning on playing any of the games with us, or are just planning on being there, but either way it'll be good to catch up with you again, after a hiatus that has lasted too long. Please do join us on the day, as it will be a veritable scream watching us. Gee, we might even be able to laugh at ourselves!

p.s. Despite the seriousness of this entire event and why it is so, there is one other thing that might help entice others to join in.....Drinking !!! Hence the name Drunkathalon. Oh, and maybe the odd girl as well, but we'll have to see about that!

Cheeries,

Fossil, flapping in under 6 weeks.

(founding member of Fossil's Ancient Relics and Thespians Society)

[mpdkorat]

The camillion centre team are truly outstanding and they will have looked after her with dignity and compassion.

Digger

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you all. Things happened so quickly. I still can hardly believe it I keep getting the urge to phone her expecting her to pick up and yelp down the phone at me.

There are many issues I am thinking about many intensly personal but I am thinking also of the many others in her position who either are not told before its too late of their HIV status or who lack the skills and knowledge to access health services.

Aom was in the Camillian Centre when she died and its worth a look at what they do.

http://www.camillianrayong.8k.com/

I cant say enough about the good thing they did.

I recieved a mail from a guy who helped me and was there I would like to share some of it with you all as somehow I think you will understand. Aom was no saint and neither am I. We argued and rowed lots and did some bad things to each other but at the end of the day I know she knew that I had come through for her. Its just so sad I did not know earlier.:

(At the BKK Pattaya )" ....XXX and XXX then arrived. I was sitting outside Aom’s room as nurses were popping in and out. I waited thirty seconds or so and then went in. Aom must have been reassured that I was really a friend because she looked at me and gave me the most wonderful smile as she reached out with her hand for me to gently shake

That is a smile I will never forget; it said everything that words never could.........

( arriving at the Camillan Centre Rayong ) ...Once in the grounds, they were uncertain as to where to go so I passed them and waved them on, pointing out where to stop. Bang on cue, out came Father G and the full medical team. Within a couple of minutes, Aom was in the PCU and tucked up in the bed reserved for her. Father G ushered me away as the medics set about their tasks, no doubt checking whatever they check…....After about ten minutes or so, Georgina (a sixty-odd Canadian lady who has devoted her life to helping Father G along with her husband Paddy for the last couple of years). Georgina could see I was pretty stressed out; it had been one ###### of a day. We were just nattering away when all of a sudden a beaming smile consumed her face. She grabbed my right bicep with both hands and said: “Now just you look at that XXX, that is what we are all about!” I followed her gaze and saw Aom reclining (resting on a pile of pillows) in her bed surrounded by, five could have been six Thai girls. Most were staff, two were patients. One girl had her arm around Aom’s shoulder whilst both of Aom’s hands were being held by two others. They were softly talking but whilst I could not hear what was being said, it was clear that Aom was being welcomed into the Camillian Centre family. Georgina just watched with a motherly smile; it was special sight that is difficult to explain. The defining moment was when Aom happened to glance across and saw us looking. She just beamed and gave a small wave as if to say: “These people are great!”

.....He explained that he had been called away from the supper table as Aom was in distress. She was suffering from abdominal pains. .......As I mentioned on the phone earlier, Aom was given the Last Rights and is now in heaven according to Father G.

Well that’s my account Richard, ........ the funeral is all arranged for 4.00 pm on Thursday the 15th. Rest assured that it will be a full Thai Buddhist ceremony before the cremation with monks in attendance et al. No doubt Father G will also have words to say in his clerical capacity too."

Nuff said.

I think I will be paying the Camillian Centre and Father G a visit in November.

Richard

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If anyones interested please visit http://www.bahtbus.com/ Noel the guy who runs this site does a lot of good work for the centre. He helped me once when I had a similar problem. The girl I knew is still alive after havind a CD4 count of 27. They really do great work.

Edit: Sorry I didn't realize someone had posted the Bahtbus site. But there is not harm in mentioning them again.

Edited October 2, 2005 by mpdkorat

[mpdkorat]

Richard

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this awful time. I went through an almost identical experience about 2 years ago.

A friend of mine was in a terrible condition, she just seemed to wasting away. I suspected what the problem might be so I took her to Banglamung hospital for an HIV test. As you have probably guessed it was positive. I had no idea what to do. I had a friend called Noel that I new was involved with Father G's centre so I phoned him. He told me to get a CD4 test done and he would see what he could do. The CD4 test was 27 (I thought that was the test number) but was later informed by Noel that was her antibody count. She was indeed a very sick girl. Noel jumped through a few hoops and got her into the centre. Father G who will no doubt become a saint could not have treated her better. The staff there were all wonderful too. She is now healthy and doing very well, thanks to a bunch of very caring and professional people.

Camillian Centre is mainly for children but the will accept adults in the very last stages of the illness. The atmosphere in the centre is full of love and hope. I have never experienced anything like the centre. Richard I can assure you that in Aom’s final hours she would have received the best treatment that was available anywhere in the world.

Aom’s story is a very sad story and it is pulling at every heart string that I have; what a terrible waste of life!

Finally Richard I would like to mention Noel Thomas who I strongly suspect is the guy that helped Aom. He is a cantankerous old bugger who selflessly gives his time to the Camillian Centre and deserves all the help that he can get.

If you are out there Noel I have lost your number due to the fact I lost my phone please PM me.

[Ken]

Richard

..............................

Aom’s story is a very sad story and it is pulling at every heart string that I have..............

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

mpd: Thank you for "pointing" me to this thread when we met in Korat yesterday. Having read thru it this morning, well, let's just say there was water in my eyes. Very sad indeed. It really sounds like this Camillian Center is a very worthy foundation to consider for donations and fund raising functions. Would have been "nice" to see this thread in maybe the General Topics forum as a lot of people who are not from Pattaya do not go to the Pattaya forum...me thinks.

Saddened for your sadness richardb.

[richardb]

Dear All,

I would like to thank everyone on this forum for their kind words and thoughts. They have meant a lot to me.

The work of the Camillian Centre goes on day after day and until a cure is found for this virus they will be there to help people like Aom.

As a forum I think to support this organization would be a lovely thing to do but as they say " up to you" .

The " Drunkatholon is I think all set.

From bahtbus.com

"The Format: Nearly the same as last year, the main changes being 10 pin bowling will replace the far too energetic game of table tennis.

The biggest change is the decision to hold the event over two days, as there was barely time to breath between venues last year. We can also play 18 holes of golf instead of 9 on the first day and still have ample time left for darts, at a venue yet to be decided.

The contestant with the highest accumulated points following golf, darts, 10 pin bowling and finally 8 ball pool will become the new champion (although the Camillian Centre will be the real winner).

Again the entrance fee will be 2,000 baht, of which 1,000 goes to the Camillian Centre and 1,000 to the winner, who then donates his winnings to the kids at the centre.Smiler

The Date: It appears the best dates when the majority of possible entrants will be in town would be Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th of November.

The Target: Last year all were more than surprised that we managed to raise 104,000 baht, let’s go for yet another surprise this year."

see the forum for details http://bahtbus.com/

Thank You.

Richard.

[richardb]

Aom, her son,me and Aom's sister

Aom and me at a bar

Aom on Koh Larn

Richard

[Fossil]

Aom and me at a bar

Richard

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Richard this photo is what I remember of you and Aom. It is amazing that this is one of any number you could have posted. It is this vision that is etched in my mind...even before all of this happened. Scary, but true. Just when I thought I'd managed to contain my memories and emotions, you bring this out! Bugger! But nonetheless, great memories and emotions for the right reasons.

As regards the Drunkathalon, it looks like only 1 day, as most folks prolly won't be able to handle that much beer over two days! I know some could...not wishing to boast but be that as it may, a hearty time will be had by all. That I can guarantee. Mostly because I was there last year, and won the darts leg of the day. This year I plan to win the entire event! I know I'm dreaming, but why not.

I really do hope that people get behind (hopefully) the Drunkathalon, but more importantly support Father G and the Camillian Centre. Speaking of which, I have not met the good man yet, a fault I plan to rectify, but I have spoken to him on the phone from Australia...mobile I might add!....cost me a pretty penny that night, but worth every cent. A great man with a great sense of humour to boot.

Hope to see some of you in November.

Cheeries,

Fossil, no farts, just FARW.

[SiamOne]

I was pointed to this thread by Noel on another thread

I am still crying, it was so sad. It is so good to know people out there can be so selfless and wonderful

I cannot continue

[Thaistix]

I really do hope that people get behind (hopefully) the Drunkathalon, but more importantly support Father G and the Camillian Centre.

Forum members at Thailand-UK have been following this story and have recently started raising pledges for the drunkathon in memory of Aom.

So far we have raised 40,000 bt in pledges for the event.

See Thailand-UK

As a forum we will continue to support the JAIDEE appeal and the excellent work of Father G and the staff at the camillian centre.

Could I take this opportunity to thank the following Thailand-UK members for their generosity ... Conrad, Keith, Paul, Casey, Nick / Noi, Rich / Orisa, Dave, Ae & Jenifer, Flip, Austin, A&A, Galahad, SteveR, Gareth, James, Thailand-UK Slush fund,

http://www.allergease.co.uk/ October Only - Reduced rates on matress cleaning, Birmingham UK- all procedes to the fund.

http://www.pankanarn.co.uk/ Online library for Thai's away from home.

Keep up the good work.

Lee

Thailand-UK.com

Edited October 5, 2005 by Thaistix

[Noel]

I really do hope that people get behind (hopefully) the Drunkathalon, but more importantly support Father G and the Camillian Centre.

Forum members at Thailand-UK have been following this story and have recently started raising pledges for the drunkathon in memory of Aom.

So far we have raised 40,000 bt in pledges for the event.

See Thailand-UK

As a forum we will continue to support the JAIDEE appeal and the excellent work of Father G and the staff at the camillian centre.

Could I take this opportunity to thank the following Thailand-UK members for their generosity ... Conrad, Keith, Paul, Casey, Nick / Noi, Rich / Orisa, Dave, Ae & Jenifer, Flip, Austin, A&A, Galahad, SteveR, Gareth, James, Thailand-UK Slush fund,

http://www.allergease.co.uk/ October Only - Reduced rates on matress cleaning, Birmingham UK- all procedes to the fund.

http://www.pankanarn.co.uk/ Online library for Thai's away from home.

Keep up the good work.

Lee

Thailand-UK.com

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well done Thailand-UK.com!

To quote your own words Lee, keep up the good work!

[Noel]

Thanks go to Ken and mpdkorat for being the first Thaivisa.com members to support the

2005 JAIDEE APPEAL JW DRUNKATHOLON: IN MEMORY OF AOM initiative.

We hope they will be the first of many.

For those who may be unaware, The JAIDEE APPEAL is an ongoing initiative to raise money for the Camillian Centre in Rayong that cares predominantly for children orphaned by and/or born with HIV.

For further information on the current fundraiser, please click on: 2005 JAIDEE APPEAL JW DRUNKATHOLON: IN MEMORY OF AOM

Should you wish to make a donation to the appeal directly to the Camillian Centre, please go to: CAMILLIAN CENTRE BAHTBUS.COM JAIDEE APPEAL and then click on: Make a Donation to the Camillian Center

There are several alternative ways in which donations can be made including bank deposits and ATM transfers in Thailand and via Post Office money orders and credit cards anywhere in the world.

No donation is too small and anonymity is assured, unless members themselves make the fact they have donated or a pledging to do so known.

PLEDGES TO 10th October 2005:

SUMMARY:

108,000

53,000

12,000

173,000

DETAIL:

10 July 2005 AXE WOUND 10,000

13 July 2005 JOHNNIE WALKER 10,000

14 July 2005 FOSSIL 10,000

21 July 2005 SWEENEY TODD 10,000

1 Aug 2005 AIRPORTWO 10,000

18 Sept 2005 WAIRU VALLEY TAVERN 23,000

18 Sept 2005 NOEL THOMAS 10,000

23 Sept 2005 RICHARDB 10,000

23 Sept 2005 AUNTY 10,000

24 Sept 2005 CHOPPER 5,000

30 Sept THAILAND-UK.COM 53,000

6 Oct 2005 KEN (THAIVISA.COM) 8,000

7 Oct 2005 MPDKORAT (THAIVISA.COM) 4,000

TOTAL TO DATE [‘plus change’ courtesy of Mrs. Wound ] 173,000

[paulnuek]

Read every page and have gone thru a few hankies.

Aom rest in peace.

Thailand is supposed to be the Land of smiles.

It is if you have your health and of course hard cash.

I hope when you think of her you remember only all the good times you had.

Paul

[akimagure]

Richard, i will be honest to you, at first i thought you are being scammed, my exgirlfriend tried before, same situation, 2 friens of her called me and told me to come ack in Bangkok because she took an overdose of cocaine trying to suicide because me...for first i got shocked and was just little bit close on bieliving it, ut i didn't and i made a wise decision, she was not asking for money, she was just trying to force my conscience for dumping her.

The point is that i am just realizing that i've been an idiot, right after that i got a callphone from my girlfriends friend telling me to come to her house asap as she cut off her veins and again i couldn't believe it, lucky for me and her i was in the area so i thought maybe it will be fun to pay a visit, just for amusement, the big surprise was when i found her crying in the bathroom with a towel on her hand filled up with blood...i know that maybe im out of topic, the point is that i have underestimated the that lady's heart and now i am scared not to make the opposite and be f****d up.

I am honestly sorry for your lost Richard, sometimes i am not angry with the girls but i am angry with the familly that thinks that just for a few years of care can keep their daughters as ATM's for the late of their life, i have just had an argue with my girlfriend because her mom came by to "visit" us, she spent a few hours with us, went to a restaurant and visiting Pattaya Underworld and took off back to Bangkok, second day i find out that she left with her daughters (my girlfriend) handphone and the 3000 BHT she saved in the last 2 months, i don't remeber her bringing a cookie or a flower when she came by, as a normal mom should do after not seeing her daughter for a moth and a half. Am i being crazy???

[akimagure]

I've posted my thoughts on this thread a few hours ago, i am still shakened, i know this won't help Richard and neither Aom (Rest In Peace), it's hard and painful that these things can happen and you never realize until it happens to YOU, it's sad, very sad. Richard, everything i can tell you is to try to calm down, think that you did everything you could. I am now thinking what would happen to me if my girlfriend would happen the same. She is only 17 years old, i am 24, but i love her like a friend, sister, daughter and wife all together, i don't even want to think about it.

[BambinA]

that's life

[baht&sold]

that's life    

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That IS life BambinA and I know you meant that in the best way- we're all human, this could be anyone's story, absolutely no one is immune. Richard just put a face and a name to it...

Thank you for sharing your tragic loss and sincerest condolences- yet a hopefull story comes from it as a result Richard... that's as it should be. Rest in peace Khun Aom

[BambinA]

that's life    

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That IS life BambinA and I know you meant that in the best way- we're all human, this could be anyone's story, absolutely no one is immune. Richard just put a face and a name to it...

Thank you for sharing your tragic loss and sincerest condolences- yet a hopefull story comes from it as a result Richard... that's as it should be. Rest in peace Khun Aom

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

im crying ..baht&sold ..

[daleyboy]

From the bottom of my heart,my deepest sympathy to everyone involved in this very sad story.

I have not cried about anything in about 10 years, but i just couldnt stop while i was reading this thread, it is truly touching and i really do hope something positive comes out of this.

We should all learn something from this, and that is to appreciate life and make the most of what we have and to hold on and love those dearest to us and never to let go.

I havent used emoticons on this post because none of them can really put over my true feelings on this.

[akimagure]

I know i've learnt my lesson

[thailien8]

I've had two ex-bargirlfriends die in my 13 years in Bkk. The first died from sniffing too much glue. I saw her collapse on stage during a gogo dancing shift, one of the saddest sights of my life as I really liked her. The second to die was from cigarettes. She was small and frail so she couldn't handle the damage that her cigarette addiction was doing to her lovely little body. Toward the end just a few puffs would make her go into a spasm of coughing. Very unsexy and again very sad.

[akimagure]

A really sad sight thailien8

[Insight]

Some of the posts made by richardb on this thread have made me fully well up - my sincere condolences to you.

Reading through this has rendered me pretty much speechless, so I will only say thanks to Khun Jean for pointing me in the direction of this thread.

[Quadra]

I've had two ex-bargirlfriends die in my 13 years in Bkk.  The first died from sniffing too much glue.  I saw her collapse on stage during a gogo dancing shift, one of the saddest sights of my life as I really liked her.  The second to die was from cigarettes.  She was small and frail so she couldn't handle the damage that her cigarette addiction was doing to her lovely little body.  Toward the end just a few puffs would make her go into a spasm of coughing.  Very unsexy and again very sad.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Followed this thread all the way through. Never read a sadder topic. My gf does not drink, smoke or take drugs, has never been a bar girl so I'm lucky I wont have to go through the distress that Richard had to. Richard you're a diamond mate. Best wishes for your future.

[elsie]

Reading through this has rendered me pretty much speechless, so I will only say thanks to Khun Jean for pointing me in the direction of this thread.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Seconded.

My deepest condolences, Richard.

[zaz]

Richard & Aom (up amongst the stars)

I'm not one who's usually lost for words but on this occassion I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies and condolances.

There are a lot of tears on this forum and your grief is being shared by everyone from many parts of the world.

Life is full of tests and challenges which, at the time confuse us into wondering why certain events occur. We wonder and question the wisdom of what lies behind the power that makes it all happen. Sometimes we won't find the answers but sometimes at some later time it all makes sense.

Your premature loss is a very sad one but maybe there are some answers in there somewhere. Perhaps these events will lead onto something that others will benefit from who knows. But the way it all happened reading from your posts etc seems so purposefully orchestrated by the powers that be that it would be just nonsensical to think that this is just bad luck and that's how it goes. This was meant to be. You and Aom were chosen. Your love is still alive. May God rest her soul and give you strength and patience.

My heart goes out to you both,

zaz

[Goldenbead]

My sincerest condolences Richardb. Aom is now at peace, bless her.

Take care of yourself. It will get easier with time, take it from someone who has experience.

[newbi]

Postscript

Sadly it seems that I am not unique with other kind members recounting their experiences. But really HIV really does seem to be the virus that no one dares speak of. Just googling HIV Thailand gives the basic picture ( which I never knew before ) but not I think the harsh reality. People who are HIV are kicked out by their family and ostracized by their villages to live on the streets. Terrified and lacking the knowledge skills or money to access treatment. Did you know why Aom was cremated at 4pm? Its because the Authorities don’t allow the cremation of people who have died of Aids during school hours incase children breath the smoke......Medieval!

I spoke to father Giovanni and he thought that Aom would have known about her condition for a long time but because of lack of knowledge, awareness and social support they do not have the courage to face they situation and get access to the

right care. It is difficult to overcome stigma when you cannot hear and talk! In his words it takes a lot of work to get some people to understand that "  that HIV is not a devil and does not have to scare who live with it " I initially rejected the idea that Aom knew but on reflection I think Father G was right. I described Aom as my former girlfriend. This post is not going to turn into an account of our relationship but suffice to say a while back she changed on one hand clinging to me tightly demanding affirmation that I would always look after her but then drinking, getting violent, and self harming. She wanted me as her "husband" but as a brother too. Was she trying to protect me from catching the virus from her. If so I can see how it was driving her crazy ( and me crazy too ) to keep me close but not to infect me. I will never know for sure but reading her last email to me I am now pretty sure thats what was really going on .

I am however sure that the Banglamung who discharged her telling my English friends she was OK knew she had Aids and the Thai girls who phoned me saying she was dying ( hence the title of my initial post ) must have known. I mentioned earlier that a few weeks ago that she had said she was sick and needed money for tests which I sent but I did not mention that she was coughing and her mates said she was skinny. ( now its obvious that was the TB kicking in ). To say I did not think twice about this at the time is an understatement I did not think once about it. Aom was often sick with something but nothing that a habfull of colours pills or a visit to the Wat could not cure ).  This I think sums up the Thai attitude. Don’t mention the words HIV or Aids. She has TB ok. A fever fine. She has lost weight sure. But don’t say its that unmentionable thing. The tragedy of course is that if I knew earlier maybe...

My poor Aom must have been terrified. Yesterday Saturday I went to get myself tested. Despite living in a country that has a National Health Service and having the skills to access those services I can tell readers that I was scared shitless when the nurse said the doctor had my results. I am HIV negative. So my darling if your plan was to keep me safe you did it.

I cannot say much about  my feelings of loss, grief, regret, anger. All those emotions are there.  Our story ended prematurely. But they are a private matter and not for this post.

When Aom died she had my ring so she had kept faith in me and I never let her down. As she had no family in Thailand I asked that all her things  save her  personal effects went to the Camillian Centre.

And it is to the Camillian centre that I wish this post to return.

Aoms funeral took place on Thursday at 4pm. One friend took some photos and another sent me a short account. Some of  is intensely personal to me, the writer and Aom and I do not post it here  but some I think I can share I would like to.

"Richard,

I've just got back from Rayong so I thought I'd e-mail you and give you a rundown. ........

I went to the Camilla Centre in a mini-bus with a half a dozen or so others...........and there I met Father Giovanni. That place is truly amazing. The web-site could not possibly do the Camilla Centre justice. You must have a trip there and see it for yourself. You can rest assured there is no question that Aom got all the love and attention in her last hours there. When we drove in through the gate and I instantly felt the place. Father G came out and we had a nice chat. He then showed us around some parts of the centre. He is justifiably proud of what he has built there but I wondered where he got his energy and motivation from, above? And then the kids there were just finishing their schooling for the day and came out of class and I knew straight away what he's running on...the love from those kids. I talked to some of them, or should I say they talked to me. They had after all just been learning English. They absolutely adore him. Smart judges are kids.......

We took Aom out of the small Chapel of Repose.........while I held her had and said my goodbye to her. I hope you don't mind but I said a goodbye then for you too. I know you would have been with her in your thoughts at that time. .......................she looked serene and peaceful, just like she was asleep. Father G then said prayers for Aom, standing over the open coffin while the monks looked on. It was a simple service and very nice. He then sat down and the monks started chanting the traditional chants. While they were chanting, Aom started on her last little journey................"

I understand that there is to be a fundraiser for the Camillian Centre in November. A " Drunkathon" organized by  http://www.bahtbus.com/ ( see their message board for details ) Their Jai Dee appeal has already raised over a Million Baht.

Some of their members have been very kind to me and I am going to go to this fundraiser. If any of you are in town at the same time I would love to raise a glass and toast kind strangers, Aom and all those like her good hearts who never had a proper chance in this life and lastly Father G and the Camillian Centre.

Take care everyone

Richard

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Khun Richard,

Thank you for willing to share your story with us. Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences.

Newbi (a new member)

[Tompa]

Richardb , words are not enough , but your last post made me cry.

Take care of yourself and you will meet Aom again one day.

God Bless.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well said.

I'm going to Rayong tomorrow as the girlfriend has a seminar in town. I will make it a point to swing by the Camillian Social Center to make whatever donation I can give. I'm sure other members are doing the same.

Tompa

[lordsux]

What a truly sad story

I hope that a lot can be learned by many from this thread.

My first Thai girfriend whom I was together with for 6 months was also called Aom, when I first saw her name on the thread it was like a hammer hitting me on the head....could it be? no surely not? maybe? many questions and fears ran around my head.

One thing I dont think has been mentioned is if Aom's former lovers have been contacted and informed about what has happened.?

Aom was lucky to have someone like Richard, friends and some members of this forum to take care of her in her last circle, I would still do the same for my Aom, God forbid that I will ever have to. Unfortunatly there are too many that are just left to die on their own of this terrible disease.

Sometimes the buffalo really is sick! or Mama is in hospital, or Brother has had a MC accident. And the rice for sure does need vitamins!

These girls are not all scammers, but the ones that are warp our minds to thinking that they all are out after one thing.........ok they are, but there are some good ones in between! And these have to suffer becuase of the actions of their so called "Sisters"

Im rabbling...I do that when im upset so i'll shut up.

Take care out there!