Death

DEATH. It is part of life. You cannot escape death. From the moment you were born, you wait to die. It's just a matter of time before one diminishes forever in this world, leaving your loved ones behind mourning for the lost of someone so dear to them. I fear death. Although I have witnessed the death of my parents, I cannot comprehend and accept such a cruel fact. Perhaps the torments and sufferings that my parents went through as they journeyed towards their final destination make it all the more fearful for me. I hate going to the hospitals. I hate the smell of the surroundings. I hate seeing fragile patients lying helplessly on their bed. It reminds me of death. It frightens me.

Someone passed on this morning. He was Darling's colleague. We visited him thrice when we were back home. Both his kidneys failed. It came as a surprise to him and his family as he did not experience any symptoms at all before admitting to the hospital. On our first visit, he was optimistic about his condition. He joked with us and complained about his cranky girlfriend (the dialysis machine) who beeped incessantly without any reason. Before we left, he commented that the Nike T-shirt which Darling was wearing was really nice and inquired where he had bought it. He said he liked it very much and would prefer it to be blue.

A few days later after that visit, Darling and I went on a shopping spree. We decided to get him the Nike T-shirt which he liked. We went to several Nike shops but all ran out of sizes. Eventually we got a similar one from the Nike outlet at Shaw Center. We visited him that very night with the T-shirt, hoping that he would be delighted to see what we had gotten for him. Unfortunately, his condition worsened. He couldn't speak and we thought he couldn't recognise us as well. At one point, I thought we almost lost him. The nurse tried to wake him up but to no avail. His wife called out his name and on each attempt, her voice grew in intensity. I stood watching, my heart palpitating with fear. The moment he opened his eyes, I felt a sense of relief washing over me. 2 days before we left for Algeria, we visited him again. He couldn't speak. That was the last time we saw him.

The news of his death saddens me although I do not know him well. I told Darling perhaps he did not have a chance to wear the T-shirt we gave him. Darling said it didn't matter. Yes. It didn't matter at all. What matters most is he didn't have to suffer anymore.

May you rest in peace.

La mort

A mother of two boys aged 7 and 12 passed on recently due to breast cancer. She was only 32 years old - far too young an age to leave all she had behind. I can imagine how devastated the children are to have lost their mother. It must be even more painful for the father to have lost a lover, a friend and a companion. My heart goes out to the family. I pray that the Lord will give them strength and courage to weather through this difficult period of time. May them be well and continue to grow strong as a family. Amen.

Lost and Found

I lost a friendship 14 years ago. Recently, I found it back. I'm grateful for that. =)

Back in Algeria

I'm back in Algeria. Arrived in Algiers yesterday afternoon and was extremely tired after 18 hours of flight. I wanted to quickly head to bed but refrained myself in case I counldn't sleep at night. So, I endured and fought to keep myself awake. Eventually, I threw in the white towel at about 8pm.

I woke up this morning at 6am after 10 hours of sleep. The first thought that came flooding my mind - I wanna go home! I'm missing home already. I miss Glenn's usual screaming and crying in the morning and the occasional singing of his version of national anthem. I miss sleeping beside my princess Gwendolyn and be a victim of her kung fu kicks in the middle of the night. I miss home. Period.

One more day in Algiers office before we fly off to Tlemcen tomorrow morning. I'm not excited at all. But on second thoughts, I do want to see my driver, his family, his new born baby boy and all the kids in the village. I'm sure they would be delighted to see me and of course the gifts I have brought for them. So, here's a note to myself - You better get used to life in ulu land again!

32

Starting from today, that will be my lucky number! =)