Violence in Bangkok

We've been trying to stay up to date on the current political situation in Thailand, and have been surprised at how the whole situation continues to escalate. It seems that the red shirts have finally surrendered, but on their way out of the city managed to set fire to 27 buildings in Bangkok including Central World (South East Asia's biggest shopping center), TV Channel 3 station, a bank...etc. Even though they have "surrendered" the anger is still there with the red shirts and tension will remain in the months to come unless there is some sort of change in the current government leadership. I heard that now in Chiang Mai there is starting to be some rioting as well, and the government has issued curfews in 21 provinces of Thailand. Right now the US Embassy is asking for no American's to travel to Thailand, and if it is essential, to avoid going through Bangkok. The head nurse manager of the NICU Olive was at in Bangkok wrote me yesterday and asked me to avoid coming through Bangkok when we return if possible due to the current violence.

From what we have heard from our friends in Chiang Rai things are still very calm there. If you are interested on learning more about the situation, and seeing more photos you can click here.

mother's day.

Mother's day came yesterday. 

I wasn't sure how the day would go. Feeling the heart of a mother, but having no child to show that I am one.

We had lunch at my grandma's house, so I was surrounded by my aunts and cousins. I was already feeling emotional, but when you are surrounded by people that love you  who keep giving you hugs it makes holding the tears back all the more difficult. I did eventually pull myself together...at least temporarily.

We stopped at Olive's grave on the way home and talked to her a bit. Told her how much we miss her and cried for a while.


Dinner was at my cousin's house who has been by my side since Olive's birth and death. While we were eating I noticed she had hung a photo of Olive up in her living room. It means so much to know she won't be forgotten.

One of my close friends from Seattle sent me some beautiful roses, and pink tulips from my mother-in-law.

A few sweet cards from friends and family.

A few e-mails from people reminding me that this day is for me too...even if Olive is gone. 

Overwhelmed  by the love I've felt from so many of you in my life.

thank-you.

Newsletter/Updates

Here and there over the last few months different people have mentioned to me that they would like to be added to the list of those who receive the quarterly newsletter/update Rusty and I send out. If you would like to be added to the list, please email me at: lynettepolinder@gmail.com with your mailing address.

How it is "supposed to be"

Last week I was able to meet the author/artist, Elizabeth High who made this piece. Elizabeth is a family friend of Libby (who we live/work with in Thailand). We had breakfast together in Rockford, MI and she shared a bit of her journey with us about losing her father to cancer. She met him when she was 36 years old and he died seven years later...far too soon. If you are interested in seeing any more of her work, click here.