- Kathy and her lovely kids……. oh… and us too
This blog was going to be about highland tours by those that
call themselves Easy Riders, but a late night email put that story on the back
burner.
Today I want to talk about two of the wonderful people who
have enhanced my life since I have been here. Some come as customers to the
hotel and become friends, others are readers of my blog of travel advice that
find time in their busy holidays to pop by for a visit.
Kathy Mullen was a gentle sole who loved Vietnamand the people. She was a
follower of this blog and a poster on the Trip
Advisor forums. Her and her family honored us by staying in our hotel for a
couple of weeks and like so many that stay here, she became much more than a
customer…… she became a friend. From what I know of Kathy, she was a very
generous person who donated time and money to charitable causes in Cambodia and Vietnam. Besides having her own,
she adopted 4 children from Vietnam
and Cambodia
and raised them as her own. She also gave aid to the poor families that gave
the children up by building one family a small house and providing some
financial assistance to others. We enjoyed her kids beating us at cards in the
evening. Through the frustrations and hardship of handling 4 teenagers, she
always maintained a patience and positive outlook that I found displayed great strength
of character. We parted ways a couple of weeks ago with hugs and talk of seeing
each other again next year when sadly………. We received this email:
Comment: Owee,
> This is Aaron Musall, Kathys son. I wanted to let you know that my mother
> passed away on August 12 due to injuries suffered in a motorcycle
accident.
> I wanted to thank you for everything while we were in Nha Trang. My mother
> loved reading your blogs on the trip advisory and very much enjoyed
staying with you.
> Aaron
Today, Mai, I, Tram, Phuong, and Thao have endured the day with
lowered heads and saddened hearts.
On the lighter side, today, a repeat customer and new friend
- Wayne………. my HERO!
showed up for his reservation. Some of you might know him as Fred1066 from the Trip
Advisor forums.With him he brought a couple of coffee presses to replace
the one stolen and some beer cozies………. My Hero!!
Thanks to those of you who offered to bring for me, but as
you can see…. I am OK now, as I am getting my morning coffee again 😉
Thank you to all that offered to bring me a press, but we are OK now
I contacted one of Kathy’s neices to hear about what happened. I’ll be in touch if I hear any details. Sad to hear that someone with such a big heart has passed.
My condolences for the loss of your friend. It sounds like she was a wonderful person.
On a lighter note, I’m glad you have your coffee again.
Sorry to hear of your friend’s passing.
She sounded like a very special person, selfless and always wanting to help those less unfortunate than her. A very inspirational and positive woman!
Sorry… I have no more information
owen- do you know any more details, like where and how it happened? and, were her kids with her?
who is there to help her kids through it if they’re so far away from home.
Aw Shucks!! Thanks Chiqui
I didn’t know Kathy but I felt such sadness reading your post. It would have been an honor to have known her. What a good guy Wayne is! I’m sure he wouldn’t have done that just for any hotel owner. You and Mai are good people. That’s why most of the people you come in contact with are also “salt of the earth”.
Very sad to hear that someone who contributed so much to the community has passed away.
Wayne
Yes she was Maz……Yes she was. If you recall how some from my past influenced my decision to start this new life…. so she has insipred me with her strength of character. Knowing her has made me stronger.
scary, tragic, sad- you go away for a holiday and this happens!!!
i’m so sorry for her lovely family- I hope they’ll be ok.
thank you for letting us know owen- she sounds like such an amzing person.
marilyn