FOREVER SISTERS, FOREVER FRIENDS!This photo is a wonderful reminder that God does answer prayers.
Los Angeles, California–Sometimes, something so unforgettable happens that one just has to pause from everyday life–even if you’re engaged in the time sensitive task of producing a TV Travel Series that’s about to air…and give thanks.
You have to live in a cave to not know that the most miraculous event occurred this week–which apparently has been weeks in the making. Former President Bill Clinton successfully negotiated the release of fellow journalists–Laura Ling and Euna Lee. Ever since I heard of their arrest on March 17th–a day has not gone by when I haven’t said a prayer for Laura and Euna, along with so many other deeply concerned friends and family– particularly those of us united via facebook and kept updated by Lisa, Laura’s older sister… (also a brilliant journalist). Well, tonight I signed onto facebook, and above is the photo that Lisa had posted for all of us to see…and just like many times before, I cried tears…but this time, they are tears of JOY!
And, the joy-filled photos did not stop there. On Paul Song’s (Lisa’s husband) Facebook page, we see the “A Team” family photo!
THANK YOU PRESIDENT CLINTON!THANK YOU “AL” (what Laura called her Current TV boss)
Here’s a recap of the now famous rescue by President Clinton, written by Maynard Institute columnist, Richard Prince:
“Two American journalists jubilantly reunited with family and friends early Wednesday upon returning to the United States with former President Bill Clinton, whose diplomatic trip to North Korea secured their release nearly five months after their arrests,” Robert Jablon reported Wednesday for the Associated Press.
“The jet carrying Euna Lee and Laura Ling, reporters for Al Gore’s San Francisco-based Current TV, and Clinton arrived at Burbank’s Bob Hope Airport at dawn. Clinton met with communist leader Kim Jong Il on Tuesday to secure the women’s release.
“Lee emerged from the jetliner first and was greeted by husband Michael Saldate and 4-year-old daughter Hana. She hugged the girl and picked her up before all three embraced in a crushing hug as TV networks beamed the poignant moment live.
“Ling embraced her husband, Iain Clayton, as teary family members crowded around.
“‘The past 140 days have been the most difficult, heart-wrenching days of our lives,’ Ling said, her voice cracking.
“Thirty hours ago, Ling said, ‘We feared that any moment we could be sent to a hard labor camp.’
“Then, she said, they were taken to another location.”
“‘When we walked through the doors, we saw standing before us President Bill Clinton,’ she said to applause. ‘We were shocked but we knew instantly in our hearts that the nightmare of our lives was finally coming to an end, and now we stand here, home and free.’
“Clinton came down the stairs to applause. He hugged Gore, then chatted with family members.
“Gore described the families of the two women as ‘unbelievable, passionate, involved, committed, innovative.’ . . .
“After 140 days in custody, the reporters were granted a pardon by North Korea on Tuesday, following rare talks between Clinton and the reclusive North Korea leader. They had been sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for entering the country illegally.
“The women were kept in enforced isolation and fed poor-quality food, Ling’s sister said.
“‘They were kept apart most of the time. . . . On the day of their trial, they hugged each other and that was it,’ Lisa Ling told reporters outside her sister’s home in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.
“‘She’s really, really anxious to have fresh fruit and fresh food. She said there were rocks in her rice. Obviously, it’s a country that has a lot of economic problems.
“‘The little bit that she was able to recount of her experience of the last 4 1/2 months has been challenging for us to hear,’ Lisa Ling said. ‘She’s my little sister but she’s a very, very strong girl and a determined person.’
Lisa Ling, the reporter for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “National Geographic Explorer,” spoke briefly to the media this morning outside her sister’s California home.
“We are gonna go have a little powwow at home,” she said, according to the NECN cable network.
“We are gonna stuff her with food that she loves.”
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I LOVE HAPPY ENDINGS!!
It is 3:06 a.m. It is time for me to stop reflecting on life, and close my eyes.
Goodnight Escapeseeker fans,
With love and peace,
Mel
