My New Hero

I wrote a few days ago about Luke Simmonds, the British businessman who found himself acting as doctor, rescuer, adventurer, communications specialist, etc. after the tsunami. I'm not much on fawning hero worship, but dang if this guy didn't inspire me to write a good ol' fashioned fan letter:

Luke -- you don't know me, but I got a copy of your email, and I just wanted to
say how impressed I was. If I'm ever in a crisis the way you were, I can only
hope I'll be as level-headed and helpful as you were. If only everyone could be
as selfless and humanitarian-minded as you were. Cheers.

Jacob Stohler

Well, whattayaknow, the guy wrote me back. How cool is that?

Dear Jacob

Thank you for taking the time to write. I have completely humbled by all the emails that I have received, mostly from complete "strangers," offering their support. It is heartening that amidst all this tragedy that there are so many tender people out there. If there is any good to come out of this it is the knowledge that I have new friends the world over.

Please forgive the short email but I am attempting to reply to everyone who has written.

Once again, thank you for your kind words.

Luke Simmonds