these are lovely thoughts...

beth reports that andy is heavily sedated as he adjust to his new surroundings.

This board has been so blessed with such wonderful people. This man, Gpanda, unknown to me, but already missed. All my best wishes to him and his family at such a difficult time.

My thoughts are with Andy and all those who hold him close.

Don

Lovely words Marija. I can't say anything more poignant at this time.

Oh! I am startled to discover that I missed this posting on the 3rd. I just lit a candle and reflected a bit on Andy's sparkling wit. I am so grateful for his kindness and humor. My thoughts will remain with our Fodor's friend and his beloved Beth.

after a visit with andy tonight we are saddened to report that beth has been told that he has only hours to live...

'he is moving gently and peacefully into that good night'

"He is moving gently and peacefully into that good night." Yes, he is. And he will be deeply missed here. Peace and prayers to Beth.

Much, much sympathy to Beth, and to all his friends.

My very kindest thoughts to you, Karen, Beth and the GPanda's family & friends.

The lines of "Afterglow" feel like the things he would say, as he bids farewell.

"I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done."

Good night Andy....we will all miss you every day.

Aloha Oe!

May peace be with him and all who love him.

I hope we meet again my friend.

I don’t know which message was more wrenching to read, Gpanda Needs Cheer from a little over a year ago or this one. I sure wish I’d been in the right country at the right time in order to join one of those fabled GTGs. I’m trying my best to send some Balinese spirits via the cloud to “all that mighty heart.” That's lifted from Wordsworth in what may be the best ever traveler’s post.

The river glideth at his own sweet will.

Nothing to say that hadn't already been said so eloquently.

I'll just sit back and admire the beautiful thing that has been created: a great night sky filled with flickering candles and love from far-flung friends.

That's a great final gift from Gpanda.

Fly.

In the movie Wit, there's a famous scene at the end, in the hospital room, where an English Professor says the following to a sick friend.

"On flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Its a quote from Hamlet.

Andy is a terrific fellow and a good friend.

Just talked to Beth...he is about the same this morning.

His spirit will live on in those he knew.

The gates are closing--
but a beautiful spirit will stay

How very sad I am to learn that all our vibes, good wishes, prayers and lit candles didn't prevent this final trip that Andy is taking. I'm so very very sad that our Asia Forum friend and great and witty story teller is on his final journey.

With deepest sadness to Beth, and grateful to Bob and Karen for being there for the two of them and, for us too.
Peace and love

sadly i must report that andy passed at 2:20 PM today...

there will be no services.

the fodor's editor has granted me permission to post a special thread about this. it will appear later.

we will have a method to make memorial gifts in andy's name to a thai scholorship fund. that info will be in the posting.

if you are interested please contact me at: [email protected]

we are all sad...

he is now flying with angels (and warning them of 'penalties').