A heartfelt open letter to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni

King Norodom Sihamoni, as a youth, pictured with the then-President of Czechoslovakia, Antonin Novotny, in 1963. These images were taken by the photographer, Jiri Rublic, and they were a small part of the Documentation Center of Cambodia’s (DC-Cam) exhibit, “A Cambodian Dream.” Reflections from a timeless past, the images were well received by the Royal Family. DC-Cam

#opinion

Your Majesty,

I am writing to express my profound sadness at hearing the news of your recent diagnosis. In times of grief, crisis or stress, I struggle with finding the right words to effectuate my earnest desire to help, console and encourage in some meaningful way. My struggle is all the more difficult and humbling in circumstances, such as these, where the audience for my message is someone I so deeply respect, look to for mentorship, and owe so much.

I am comforted by the fact that your Majesty is receiving good care; however, most importantly, I can say that my grief is softened by your Majesty’s continued, extraordinary courage and indomitable spirit, which remains a guiding light to the Cambodian people and nation.

With sincere good wishes for the uplifting of your Majesty’s health, happiness and well-being, and my profound respect.

Sincerely,

Youk Chhang

Executive Director of the Queen Mother’s Library & the Documentation Center of Cambodia.

-Phnom Penh Post-
———————