It has been a while since I got the news of your passing away (even know, it is still hard to use these two words), as it is hard to accept the fact you had left this world....our last meeting was in August together with BM Teoh and his son and the last message we communicate, to meet each other in my next trip home....hence it is hard to accept the fact that had already left this world....like most friends had said, it was too sudden...and indeed it was.
There are a lot of good memories and time spent with you, whenever I was back to Bukit Mertajam and I was glad (really glad) that I managed to spent so much time with you, especially when I was back to Malaysia for a whole year. And your phone messages, you would say, "Choong we can meet up for tea, I can meet you up in the afternoon, I will bring to this coffee house, that restaurant....etc etc.." .there are a lot of good memories that I can recall but hard to write all down, and as I am writing this, teardrops fell freely, which I think is a good sign for me, that I have accepted your passing away.....indeed very hard to accept and the mourning phase was very hard. And I have been hoping to write this in my blog, that some day in near future, I can read and recall this chapter of my life,,,,,,
I was not sure if it were you, when I saw that green light appearing in my apartment on 30th September, and I assume it was, cause you mentioned you wanted to visit me in Shanghai for another time... and I was waiting for your visit, and could it possibly you visited in this manner, still keeping your promise as you usually do, but in different way...I do not know, but I assume it was...no matter what, thanks SIew Guat..
There are too many things to say, Siew Guat, but I am not sure where to begin, and where to end...
But my first wish is to visit you, at the temple where your last remains is kept...At least I need to see for myself that you are there, and at least for me to say a few words to you....and to pay my last respect (and I trust you would know why I could not attend your funeral, which was a sad thing for sure).
And thanks Siew Guat, for being a great great friend to me, especially during the time from end 2013 to 2014, where I was facing a very difficult time of my life and you supported me in various ways., remember when you helped me to get my cargo back from Beijing, and the sales mgr was asking if I was related to you, and your concern on the things that was happening during that time, and your emotional support were very important to me.
When ever you have charity events, like for your Spastic centre, Red crescent....you always involved me, in one way or another...I am really grateful for these.
And every-time when I am back, you would asked in advance, if I need my ikan bilis, dried prawns,...etc, and the meals at different restaurants and tea time at cafes.. and the chats..those are all memories, that I shall remember for life, SIew Guat.
Do you know that, every year, during CNY holidays, it has become a routine for me, no matter how rush or how busy it was, I will always find the time to visit you, and I am thankful, for despite your busy and tight schedule, you always find the time for us to meet up and catch-up.I think this year would be a bit hard for me though, as I would not be able to see you in Penang again (but I will send my best regards through my prayers).
And thank you for being a good mentor when I was in Acidchem, and though sometimes, I did "argue" with you, but your patience and your professionalism had really touched me.
And now, I am sure you are happy, together with your mother and please help to send my regards to Aunty too...and till we meet again in near future, do take care and we shall catch-up again, Siew Guat.
May you be happy always, Siew Guat...
Sincerely,
Choong
