Colin you are my inspiration.

[Costas2008]

The festive days are on, Christmas is round the corner.

For most of us these are days of celebration and enjoyment.

But, there are people out there that they will be not able to enjoy themselves as we will do.

Last Saturday, I got a PM from Colin.

Colin is a member of TVF that I never have heard of before.

He wanted to tell me that he lives about 5 kilometres from my house and because he was bedridden he couldn’t meet me.

So on Sunday I visited him with my wife at his house.

And this is the story of Colin.

Colin comes from Manchester UK, he has been coming to Thailand from 1999 and settled in Thailand about 5 years ago.

He’s got a very nice Thai Lady as his wife that she is the head mistress in the local school.

He build a nice house for both of them and contributed quite a lot of work as he was a building contractor in the UK.

He also used to have a beautiful garden full of plants and vegetables that used to take care himself.

About 9 months ago, Colin was riding his motorcycle when he had an accident.

He was on the motorcycle lane and on his right he had a lorry.

A man on a pick up overtakes him from the left hand side and swerves to the right to go in front of the lorry.

The accident was unavoidable, Colin hit the pickup full force.

He was taken to Khon Kaen hospital where he stayed there for 8 months having numerous operations.

But as his spinal cord was broken he is left paralysed from the waist down for the rest of his life.

His good wife was driving for 8 months, 100 kilometres a day going to Khon Kaen hospital and taking care of him and I and the wife have the best admiration for her.

When I met Colin, I was very impressed with his personality, courage and his attitude towards the future.

Although he is constantly in pain and he needs 3 people to shift him from the wheelchair to the bed he is looking forward to start replanting his garden and finish some building works in his house.

He hasn’t lost his sense of humour and he is full of kindness for other people around him.

He loves Thailand and don’t want to go back to the UK as he believes this is his country now.

I have to tell you here, that he didn’t get even a Baht from the pick-up driver as he was a high official in the Bhan Phai district and he managed to get away of any obligations towards Colin.

But Colin still loves Thai people and Thailand.

He is one the most kind and admirable person, I’ve met in my life.

Colin, I believe you are reading this and I have to tell you that although I feel very sorry for the situation you are in, you have changed my attitude towards life.

You are and will be an inspiration to me and my wife and the only thing I can wish you is for the pain to go away and carry on with the life you are wishing for.

As about the other members, please, in your celebrations, spare a little thought for Colin or any other Colin that is suffering out there.

I will do.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everybody.

[Morakot]

Merry Christmas, Costas!

[Schmackos]

A beautiful story, but something I don't understand.

You say that

Last Saturday, I got a PM from Colin.

Colin is a member of TVF that I never have heard of before.

He wanted to tell me that he lives about 5 kilometres from my house and because he was bedridden he couldn’t meet me.

Why does he say that he can't meet you, if you don't know him?

Merry Christmas, Colin and Costas and your wives!

[Costas2008]

A beautiful story, but something I don't understand.

You say that

Last Saturday, I got a PM from Colin.

Colin is a member of TVF that I never have heard of before.

He wanted to tell me that he lives about 5 kilometres from my house and because he was bedridden he couldn’t meet me.

Why does he say that he can't meet you, if you don't know him?

Merry Christmas, Colin and Costas and your wives!

What I didn't want to mention on my OP, is that the PM he send me was to express his likeness about my posts.

Please concentrate on the OP gist and leave out the doubts and suspicions.

[laolover88]

Sue!! Thais don't like to go to court. He won't achieve a criminal prosecution, but, not expensive, civil prosecution. Cosy officials and local police won't like the interest of a decent lawyer. Anywhere, why should arrogant idiots get away free from wrecking a man's life?

[pgrahmm]

Colin will have a happier holiday in his present condition than a lot of the miserable able bodied gits/posters on here...Thank you Costas for sharing a touching story....And thank you Colin for your lesson in humanity....Wishing you many blessings for this holiday season and beyond....

[RolandRat]

There but for the grace of God could go any one of us. Life can be cruel and circumstances can change in a heartbeat.

Enjoy what you have, while you have it, tomorrow it can all change so easily.

Best wishes to Colin, may positive thoughts remain with you always.

Thanks to Costas for relaying the story and how it can all change so quickly. A good wake-up call for the miserable gits on here.

Edited December 16, 2014 by RolandRat

[CharlieH]

A troll style post has been removed.

If you do not have anything positive to contribute, then find another post that is of interest.

[Costas2008]

Please allow me to answer this in "typical" ThaiVisa Forum style..

And so Costas, or should I say "Colin from Abuja".

Since the 14 of November 2008 you have been posing as a Greek. Seducing us with your warmth and humor.

And now, suddenly, you are in "need of charity"; a week from Christmas.

Get to the point. You are from Nigeria, but your real name is neither Costas nor Colin.

Just come clean "Costas" .

Sipi, I appreciate your sense of humour.

I always admire your posts.

But this is not a laughing matter for me.

It has affected my life for the past 3 days.

I understand that my thread was diverted to Pub and entertainment.

But this is not any fun either for Colin or me.

[Gecko123]

Colin, your wife sounds like an angel.

Give her a sniff kiss for me. She deserves it.

[sipi]

Please allow me to answer this in "typical" ThaiVisa Forum style..

And so Costas, or should I say "Colin from Abuja".

Since the 14 of November 2008 you have been posing as a Greek. Seducing us with your warmth and humor.

And now, suddenly, you are in "need of charity"; a week from Christmas.

Get to the point. You are from Nigeria, but your real name is neither Costas nor Colin.

Just come clean "Costas" .

Sipi, I appreciate your sense of humour.

I always admire your posts.

But this is not a laughing matter for me.

It has affected my life for the past 3 days.

I understand that my thread was diverted to Pub and entertainment.

But this is not any fun either for Colin or me.

It was a matter of time Costas. Of course I can sympathise.

I was just beating the usual "thread wreckers" to the punch, and there are many..

[Schmackos]

Please allow me to answer this in "typical" ThaiVisa Forum style..

And so Costas, or should I say "Colin from Abuja".

Since the 14 of November 2008 you have been posing as a Greek. Seducing us with your warmth and humor.

And now, suddenly, you are in "need of charity"; a week from Christmas.

Get to the point. You are from Nigeria, but your real name is neither Costas nor Colin.

Just come clean "Costas" .

Sipi, I appreciate your sense of humour.

I always admire your posts.

But this is not a laughing matter for me.

It has affected my life for the past 3 days.

I understand that my thread was diverted to Pub and entertainment.

But this is not any fun either for Colin or me.

I think that no-one is laughing.

It is a good story.

[transam]

Soon I and Costas are having a meet, I will cheer him up a bit and sing a song............ ......................

[pigeonjake]

well said costas,

ive been thinking that way for a long time now, i had a very very good friend of mine last year aged 52, i couldnt remember never knowing pete, we grew up down the same street,

that hit me, ive always been one to live for the moment, its stories like this that hits home in the heart,

to colin if your reading this, im a brit to mate,

like another poster said you have an angle of a wife, be happy together getting your garden back together, and other things,

wishing you a happy christmas and may the new year bring you more happiness

jake

ps

well writen costas

[bangkokjulia]

Costas, what a sad, but inspiring story. I am sure it made Colin's day that you made the effort to go and visit him. Without knowing you personally, I am confident when I say that both you and your wife are great people.

[WhamBam]

Yes, a great and inspiring post, Costas.

Best wishes and regards to Colin and his wife too.

[NoshowJones]

Soon I and Costas are having a meet, I will cheer him up a bit and sing a song............ ......................

Do you know any Greek songs Trans? Maybe you can sing the White Rose of Athens by Nana Miskouri. it is a beautiful song.

[colinneil]

I am the person mentioned in the post by Costas.I am humbled by what he has posted about me.

Yes my life has changed dramaticaly i am confined to my bed ,unless i have 2/3 people to help move me into my wheelchair.

I am a very positive person, i will never allow my disability to get me down. Onwards and upwards all the time.

My wife is the most caring, lovable hard working person .She has to turn me every 2 hours day and night (due to bedsores on my back).

She never complains always smiling. I am the luckiest man in Thailand.

May i take time to thank TV members who have posted about me !!thank you!!

Seasons greetings to all of you and God bless you all.

[sipi]

Please allow me to answer this in "typical" ThaiVisa Forum style..

And so Costas, or should I say "Colin from Abuja".

Since the 14 of November 2008 you have been posing as a Greek. Seducing us with your warmth and humor.

And now, suddenly, you are in "need of charity"; a week from Christmas.

Get to the point. You are from Nigeria, but your real name is neither Costas nor Colin.

Just come clean "Costas" .

Sipi, I appreciate your sense of humour.

I always admire your posts.

But this is not a laughing matter for me.

It has affected my life for the past 3 days.

I understand that my thread was diverted to Pub and entertainment.

But this is not any fun either for Colin or me.

I think that no-one is laughing.

It is a good story.

Yes, it is a wonderful story; much like the other good stories that get trashed by the typical trolls. Costas and Colin both know I wasn't taking a cheap shot at them.

The most unfortunate part about this story, is that Costas and Colin could have met years ago and formed a solid friendship.

TV forum needs a "let's be honest with each other" catagory where we can identify ourselves and get to know each other a lot better, and purge some of these trouble makers out.

Merry Christmas all.

Phil, Tuk and Morgan

[Jip99]

I have known Colin for over 5 years.

It is only by being a csntankerous old b4stard that got him through this - I am not sure I would have had the same resolve. Having a devoted wife who was there for him constantly also helped tremendously.

Took him a Xmas lunch yesterday and will see him for coffee today. He is still a cantankerous old git and gives as good as he gets. His body may be broken, his spirit might be bruised but his mind is sharp and I look forward to getting more advice about raising chickens, farming fish or just about the right consistency of cement.

Keep fighting Colin and enjoy your new location - never mind the mumbo jumbo, get that bed facing east

[BonnieandClyde]

Colin's bravery and spirit is admirable, but due credit should be given to his wife as well.

[Costas2008]

I have known Colin for over 5 years.

It is only by being a csntankerous old b4stard that got him through this - I am not sure I would have had the same resolve. Having a devoted wife who was there for him constantly also helped tremendously.

Took him a Xmas lunch yesterday and will see him for coffee today. He is still a cantankerous old git and gives as good as he gets. His body may be broken, his spirit might be bruised but his mind is sharp and I look forward to getting more advice about raising chickens, farming fish or just about the right consistency of cement.

Keep fighting Colin and enjoy your new location - never mind the mumbo jumbo, get that bed facing east

Hey, young man, we have met about 2-3 years before in some of those farang gatherings in Ban Phai.

Looking forward to meet you again in Colins house.

[WhamBam]

I am the person mentioned in the post by Costas.I am humbled by what he has posted about me.

Yes my life has changed dramaticaly i am confined to my bed ,unless i have 2/3 people to help move me into my wheelchair.

I am a very positive person, i will never allow my disability to get me down. Onwards and upwards all the time.

My wife is the most caring, lovable hard working person .She has to turn me every 2 hours day and night (due to bedsores on my back).

She never complains always smiling. I am the luckiest man in Thailand.

May i take time to thank TV members who have posted about me !!thank you!!

Seasons greetings to all of you and God bless you all.

Stay positive. Live life the best you can.

Congratulations on having such a great and caring wife. She deserves much credit for the help and dedication she is showing you.

[zyphodb]

There but for the grace of God could go any one of us. Life can be cruel and circumstances can change in a heartbeat.

Enjoy what you have, while you have it, tomorrow it can all change so easily.

Best wishes to Colin, may positive thoughts remain with you always.

Thanks to Costas for relaying the story and how it can all change so quickly. A good wake-up call for the miserable gits on here.

Roland has taken the words right out of my mouth lol...

Merry Christmas all

[benalibina]

Good to read a positive story and that your wife is standing by your side. Stories like these make me realise the own bad choices i have made.

Wishing you well and give a cuddle to the misses.

[jacksam]

Thanks Costas......just read your post now sitting in comfy cafe in Udon Thani. These accounts serve to remind us all how fragile life and well being is.

Merry Christmas to Colin and his family and op's also.

Might try and do a small thing today for some random person

[colinneil]

May i take this opportunity to thank TV members for messages of support and good wishes.

Also if any English speaking members living in Issan, have spare time, i would be more than happy for them to visit me

(same as Costas did) i would be so happy. It is very boring lying on my bed all day, when before my accident i was such an active person.

Anybody happy to visit please pm me. Thank you

[Schmackos]

May i take this opportunity to thank TV members for messages of support and good wishes.

Also if any English speaking members living in Issan, have spare time, i would be more than happy for them to visit me

(same as Costas did) i would be so happy. It is very boring lying on my bed all day, when before my accident i was such an active person.

Anybody happy to visit please pm me. Thank you

When we compare ourselves to your situation, we are reminded just how lucky we are. Plus you are lucky to have good friends and a good wife.

Happy Holidays

[jacksam]

Colin which city or town in Issan are you closest to.

[Costas2008]

Colin which city or town in Issan are you closest to.

He is 45 kilometres from Khon Kaen.

He will be very happy to see people visiting him.

Also he will be happy to see your PM's.