mortality

was reading the papers this morning and as i flipped thru the last few pages, i saw my friend's face. it was in the orbituary column. it was an uneasy feeling. he was someone whom i first knew when i was a young officer in late 80s and again in 1992 when he was the chief of a training base in brunei. those early interactions with him told me that he was a professional person who took training very seriously. i had looked up to him as a no-nonsense senior. yet, in our interactions, he came across as a caring person who was always there to guide me when i needed his help. when i was posted to selarang in 2003, we became colleagues. he was the safety officer there. that was where i last worked with him. he left for greener pastures that very year when he felt that he was unfairly loaded with more than what he had been paid to do. that was the last time i saw him.

not too sure of the cause of death. but certainly, the photo and the words reflected on the page (his departure, flight takes off, lounge...) reminded me of his dry humour and it made me felt as though he was still alive. but hmmm, no, i will not be missing him. we have parted too long ago for me to feel sentimental about his departure. but still, seeing a friend's photo in the orbituary was weird. the suddenness reminded me how easy it could be for us to go and that we never know when our final journey would begin. most importantly, it reminded me to make sure that whatever moments i have, i need to make it meaningful. to me and to the people around me.

may he rest in peace.