December 17, 2010
I'm not going to waste time with chit chat like "How's it going?" I can only imagine how it's going. Instead, I'll get right to the point: A lot of people believe in you, and I'm one of them. I don't claim to be some great judge of character, or to have special insight into the hearts of people I encounter in this world. But I do trust my eyes and my ears, and I trust my instincts. The brief time Jack and I spent with you and BP in Haiti was exhilarating, crazy, rewarding and full of soul, and we wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China. What I saw on that trip, and what I heard and have heard since only serves to reinforce that belief. I saw people suffering all around me. I saw a dysfunctional society full of forgotten individuals--most of whom have been left to fend for themselves in the most dire circumstances amid crushing poverty. I saw children so malnourished, they actually look several years younger than they really are. But more importantly, I saw a couple of guys that go like bats out of hell from pre-dawn to late into the night, scrambling to do some good against overwhelming odds, and getting nothing but occasional gratitude and perhaps some affection from those they selflessly help day in and day out.
Like all of us, I'm just doing my best to do what's right and what's called for in life, and to not make too many bad decisions along the way. Of course, I've failed on that last count more times than I care to remember. I suspect most of us have. None of that matters now. I make no judgements, but I do believe in redemption. It always comes at a price, but I have absolutely no doubt that you paid dearly for yours, probably many times over. Furthermore, it would be ludicrous for me to tell you to "hang in there" or "don't let it get to you" or some other empty platitude. However, I will tell you this: Everyone who was behind you before this crisis is behind you still--probably moreso than ever. Nothing is being spared to get you out of this fix, and that's exactly what we're going to do.
While banging around in the back of that piece of shit Toyota, with you behind the wheel negotiating one Godforsaken "road" after another, as I took in the sights of Port-au-Prince, I thought of Bob Dylan's "Ballad of a Thin Man." The lyric "Something is happening here and you don't know what it is, do you Mr. Jones?" kept rolling around in my head. Seemed to be the perfect soundtrack for what I could see (or not see) all around me. Now, given your current predicament, those words have come back to haunt me again. But in this instance, we DO know what it is. Your friends and compatriots (including me and Jack) know full well what it is, and we're gonna use that knowledge to get you out of the predicament you find yourself in. Count on it. Bide your time. Stay safe. See you soon.
Mike from Garden Fresh
December 17, 2010
Dear Paul:
I am so sorry about your present conditions. We are all working to get you out. You are a wonderful human being and I am a better person because of you. Paul, if I had accomplished half of the things in my lifetime that you have in this year alone, I would be honored. I will always consider you a hero and a friend. I look forward to seeing you in February. Stay strong: the world needs you.
With undying respect and love,
Jack Aronson
I am so sorry about your present conditions. We are all working to get you out. You are a wonderful human being and I am a better person because of you. Paul, if I had accomplished half of the things in my lifetime that you have in this year alone, I would be honored. I will always consider you a hero and a friend. I look forward to seeing you in February. Stay strong: the world needs you.
With undying respect and love,
Jack Aronson
