Shadows of Shelly

Joy was Extended to All Part 19b

NINETEEN-b

Joy was Extended to All

I was still meeting with the Institute of Concept and Design (ICD) a half a day a week. Four industrial complexes were completed. My body relaxed. Breathing became easier and deeper. It was not a cure for all the ailments in Issan.

However, there were steel mills, assembly plants and aluminum foundries created. Many jobs were directly established and many more indirectly. The income per family rose three times while expenses increased minimally.

Families are eating three meals a day. Children have sparkles on their faces. Men and women's shoulders are broader while exhibiting a bounce in the way they walk.

Roads are expanded to many communities, and expressways immerged across the entire nation. Bicycles and motor scooters are seen in areas where there were none previously. Homes were blessed with radios that were made locally and used by people who were just exposed to electricity. Tractors appeared in large numbers in rural localities. Motor scooters and Tuk Tuks were now made inside Thailand. The smiles of children increased nationally. Prosperity improved everywhere in Thailand.

Small parts and fabrication facilities sprang up in or near the steel mills and aluminum foundries. Women were behind men in salary and respect, although some ladies crossed over to traditionally male professions. Dealerships and sales outlets sprang up throughout Thailand. Women did dominate in these markets.

Dreariness decreased. Hope replaced despair. The population was travelling in their own country to explore its beauty. Houses were being built, repaired and painted. Diversified farming was going into effect. The government received increased revenues. It seemed like every part of the population was enjoying their lives in a fresh new approach.

My Quam Suk, Laam Kaa and my vision for a better northeast was surpassed by more than we expected. It was affecting every village in the entire nation. Each of us were bouncing in our walk. Our faces expressed a relaxed composure. The primary financial supporter, The Mothers of the Cradle, as a group only met with us monthly, but they were apprized on a weekly basis of our progress.

Mrs. Green was our major financial sponsor and attended more Thursday morning sessions than the others. However, their financial backing was on a regular basis. The government gave us tax relief for five years for our new major complexes. Nonetheless, sub-contractors, dealerships, stores and individual revenue increased substantially.

At times, I was called out to a rescue mission and was unable to attend. It was rare for the size of the mission to only require less than thirty men. As Group Executive officer, Lieutenant Colonel Pudd Fi would coordinate the mission with a squadron and flight commander.

Major Baxter P. Silverman (wife Barbara) is Commander of Squadron Three in my group. Captain Chris Boughman (wife Dak Akura and my adopted sister) is Executive Officer of the same unit. Both are my former friends from the Academy. I did not have any influence over their assignments. On the other hand, my sisters may have influenced Daddy. I do not know for sure, but I do know that they can get whatever they want out of him.

Baxter and Chris have leadership of my former group of ex-prisoners, Chinese turncoats and deserters from Vietnam – all of whom are working toward Thai citizenship. Both had to challenge the ten toughest fighters in their newly acquired unit. They alternated bouts. As a result each had to only fight five bruisers – one at a time.

The men of Squadron Three were in awe of their fighting ability. Baxter said, "Colonel Brit Matthews was our teacher and our mentor. He would not give us any slack but expected the best from us." Every man among those assembled rendered that discerning smile.

There was a calm inside me that brought a smile to my face. My daydreams had no stress. Nothing had me has me wanting or in doubt. I was at one with everyone, nature and the world. Pleasant conversations filled my days. The little things brought delight.