Dear friends.
I think that this is the right word for you all who helped me in painful medical circumstances, and made my medical assisted journey back home possible, quick and safe.
It is now 16 days that I had this deep vein thrombosis: my right leg is almost normal sized now, and the pain is bearable, but still there.
My doctors here in Belgium tell me that it will last one or two months until total recovery.
Medication and patience are thus my companions for a while, but being positive minded, I always foresee the future weeks as much brighter than the past ones.
I am most grateful to my Belgian Travel Insurance Ethias of course, but also to the Medic’Air team of France (Dr Gérard and escort nurse Miss Mounia Bellaonech) and of Asia (Sean and Steven from Shanghai, and escort Dr Arusalmy Sebasti Prabha from Chennai).
Locally, I had the most comprehensive assistance of my tour operator Wind Horse Tours: thanks from hart to the managers Mr Kinga for his help, and Mr Jambay who’s presence at my arrival at Thimphu hospital, and the next days taking care of me, comforted me.

While I was ‘out of presence’ due to heavy pain, they paid my air transfer from Jakar to Paro and ambulance transfer to Thimphu hospital, and plenty little things to make my stay comfortable and safe.

Thanks a lot to Mr Bas Naus from Wind Horse Tours Europe who coordinated the assistance from Ethias and gave me some phone calls when I was in Thimphu hospital… speaking my mother language with him was most comforting.
Thanks to my driver Migma who was present at any time if needed from the first painful day in Buli homestay until my departure from Bhutan.
My utmost gratitude goes to my young 22 years-old guide Miss Gaki, who acts as a daughter from my first painful minute till my departure from Paro airport, with a big hug.

I will always remember my arrival in Jakar hospital, after one hour of crazy off-road driving from Buli, with almost unbearable pain, when she was firmly gripping my hand, teardrops rolling down her face from loving compassion.

She spent every minute 16 hours a day with me, feeding me, washing me, finding crutches and wheelchairs, running everywhere needed for my favorite dishes, fruits, documents, medicine, injections, etc… => I really don’t know what would have happened to me if she hadn’t been there!!!

I have 3 daughters in Belgium, but now I have also a daughter in mind in Bhutan.

My Christian God and my best Buddhist ‘friend’ Avalokiteshvara bless you, dearest Gaki.

In your vajrayana culture, I would say: ‘’You are the jewel in the lotus’’.

Again, many many thanks to all of you.
With kindest regards,
Francis HENRY