It did not take long before the ice thawed and we could talk about anything and everything. He always seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say, and I found it easy to open up about myself, my work, my family, my friends. He too, did not hesitate to share about himself, his wife and children, his siblings, about God and religion, about work - the students and school. He was an older and wiser friend, a mentor.
Perhaps we were able to forge a friendship easily because he knew many of my family members. Second Aunt was once his colleague for many years before she retired. Second Uncle was actually responsible for his S&P agreement when he bought a house. Fifth Aunt went to his church. He knew my Youngest Uncle. And he must have taught my brother and cousins in his 38 years of teaching career.
At school, there were a few older teachers who called him "The Saint". He was a man of God. He served an elder at his church. He regularly preached during Sunday service. Sometimes, he invited me to attend his sermons, but I never did go. He also led a Bible Study group at his house - what he called "house group". Even at school, he would be the one to recite prayers at any official school functions. Every month, during our prayer service sessions, he would be the one teaching and preaching and sharing. One time, he taught the students to sing the song "Holy of Holies". Now, the song is sung at our prayer service sessions from time and time. And every time I hear this song, I would remember him.
Not long after I was transferred to the school, a few Christian teachers decided to do a Bible Study at school. So during a free period on a particular day of the week, we would gather to discuss the book of John. He would be the one teaching us. Indeed, he was an anointed teacher. Later on, a group of us decided to gather together outside of school, and for a whole year, we would meet up to study the book of Revelation. He was our teacher, he led us in our study.
He retired late in 2015. He fretted about no one organising a proper farewell for him. So, I did a small one for him. A few colleagues joined me and we bought him lunch at Hoi Tin Lau. Eventually, there were 2 more farewell makans organised ... and I attended all of them. Heh. Though he was not in school anymore, I got to see him from time to time as he was teaching at the private secondary school behind our school. Of course, I also got to see him during our Bible study sessions. I always looked forward catching up with him every time. Sometimes, I would send him home after our study ... and he was terrified of my driving skills! Lol!
In April 2016, we happened to be at another retirement dinner. There were many retired teachers at the dinner, including him and also my Second Aunt. In fact, because he lived near Second Aunt, she had asked him for a lift, for which he obliged. When I greeted my Second Aunt, she asked me if I missed him. "Yes," I answered. I genuinely missed his presence at school, in the staffroom.
Late in 2016, we celebrated his birthday. A few of us got together and had a hi-tea at Madeleine's ... and at this time, we got to meet his cutesy newly-born grandson. It was approaching year end, and we got busy .... and though we meant to give him a treat before our trip to Japan, somehow we never got to do it.
We met up for our study on 14 Jan 2017. Both of us reached there at the same time, and while waiting for the others to arrive, we chatted - about my trip, about our schools, about our colleagues, about his grandson, about the upcoming CNY ..... And that was the last time I spoke to him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
10 February 2017. It was Friday. I got to school early as usual. There were only 4 of us early birds there at the time. I was unpacking my bag at my table when my colleague, S walked in. "R passed away."
"Who?" My first reaction.
"R." she said, tearing.
"Who?" I asked again, unable to register the name.
"R. Our R," she said.
"No!" I was shocked. I did not believe it. My friend, R. What happened?
It happened at 2 a.m. that morning. S had received a text message from R's wife who had asked her to inform our colleagues. S insisted that she had called and talked to R's wife, and that the news was true.
I was shocked. So was everyone else. The whole day, we were sombre ... and very soon, news arrived of the wake and funeral arrangements.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
S, ME and I went to see him at the wake. My hands were trembling as I signed the condolence book. His wife wasn't there. I'd imagine she must have been so shocked and so sad and so exhausted by the recent events. I spoke briefly to his eldest daughter and his sister, and proceeded to pay my last respects.
At the wake, we learnt of what had actually happened. Apparently, he had complaint of having chest pains a few days prior to the incident. Somehow, he did not think to get himself a check up. That night when it happened, he did tell his wife of his discomfort. Then, he vomitted. After that, he felt better and thought he'd go to bed. And he never woke up again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The funeral just concluded. The many people who filled up the church was a testament of how his life had touched others, just like how he touched mine. I was certain that he had been a blessing to many people, including myself. I was also touched by the presence of many of his students there. I think they took up nearly half of the hall. The funeral service was short and simple, but profoundly meaningful. His daughters shared about their papa, and drove many to tears. The pastor spoke of hope in times of grief.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sometime last year, ME and I had been meaning to treat R to chicken rice. Roasted chicken rice, to be precise. Somehow, we never got to do it. Sigh. Now we won't be able to buy it for him anymore.
Source : http://www.thequotepedia.com/quotes/bible/page/51/
Goodbye, Mr. R. Until we meet again.
No comments:
Post a Comment