January 24, 2014 (Monday)
I received a message from Jane about paying Sin Nee's dad the last respect at his funeral while en route to Marina Square for work. My first reaction was like, woah, for real? (Please don't get me wrong. I am not saying that I was pissed off or something)
Yesterday night, I saw the Facebook update regarding to the news; but the idea of paying her family a visit had never crossed my mind at all. Well, maybe we are not close with each other. Thus, I thought that leaving her a condolence message on Facebook should suffice.
On the train, my mind was in a whirlwind - on one hand, it was all fine and dandy to pay her dad the last respect since we were close before. On the other hand, I had no idea how to account to my operating manager for my absence from work. You see, it was almost impossible to get the OM to arrange another person to take over my place within such a short period of time. What made matters worst, the duty OM was Yi Wen - a strict and no-nonsense lady who would not tolerate anything last-minute.
But who cares? I told her that it was a funeral of my best friend's dad and I had to attend it no matter what. The duty OM, however, affirmed me that it was too last-minute and she was unable to excuse me from work. What had been more infuriating was that she even put her nasty attitude on display by showing me who the boss was when she yanked and nagged at me for no particular reason.
Argh. We were talking about releasing me from work at an earlier time; so why the heck would she want to comment on the poor attendance of our hotel staff and on the fact of how 'we' fancy to take MCs, leaves and offs. *roll eyes* Sometimes, I wish I was fierce enough so that I didn't have to suffer inside all the time. Argh... Well, that is just being me.
To my pleasant surprise, she later gave me the green light with conditions that someone must take over my place when I was gone. She added that the earliest time I could leave was eight. However, I managed to turn the table around by playing a better game on acting and I was released at six! What actually I did at work was to put on a pretense to be looking worried sick and everyone who crossed my table would turn back and asked if I was okay. Seeing how restless I was, Cheok Khim had volunteered to cover me with some of my duties so that I could go off at an earlier timing.
AT THE FUNERAL
Losing a loved one must have been extremely devastating, shattering and overwhelming for a young lady like Sin Nee. Especially her mom, she must have cried a lot before that. It soured and saddened me so much at the thought of their separation from their beloved family member. STAY STRONG, MY FRIEND! I'M SURE THAT YOUR FATHER IS IN A BETTER PLACE, LOOKING AFTER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Personally, I had lost my grandpa six years ago and it took me quite a while to grieve after the loss of this loving relative. Certainly, I was capable of feeling how it was to hold back the pain and attempt to fake a smile under such a devastating circumstance.
At her dad's funeral, it was quite a heart-wrenching moment to behold - especially the part where Sin Nee was able to remain composed and strong. It was actually quite a hard thing to be able to chat and laugh with her friends. If I was in her position, you will expect me to cry a bucket of tears and then die because of that. Honestly, I can't bring myself to think about ... (sorry, I'm tearing.. can't write on anymore)
Around the table, there was Eugene (my old classmate), still appeared as youthful and boyish as ever, and Pei Jun (I supposed) who came before us! Throughout the conversation, we learned that Sin Nee has many good friends in her life; it had also warmed the cockles of my heart to know that most of them were willing to sacrifice their time to care for her well-being during the weakest point of her life.. I thank God that she has many great friends who are always there to support her and I also want to pray that she will stay strong so that she can take care of herself and her family.
On hindsight (especially right now), we tend to regret over things that are forever gone. Guys, please treasure your loves one - be it your lover, your family, your best friends, your friends or whoever you hold dearly to! Spend more time with them whenever you possibly can!
Personally, I have found out that I can't afford to lose my parents. Indeed, Sin Nee is right, we should embrace our parents with more hugs when they are still around. *More tears are rolling down my cheek as I am writing this* PEOPLE, HUG YOUR MOM OR DAD MORE WHEN THEY ARE STILL WITH US, we never know what would happen to them tomorrow.
GREAT SEEING YOU PALS
After taking our leave, we took a cab down to Tampines to partake our dinner at a roti-prata store. It shamed me badly for not bulging my wallet with cash before we met. In the end, I had to swallow my pride and consumed my nasi bryani and roti-prata on the house. Thanks to Jane actually, who was quite magnanimous to stand a treat on me.
We had a lot of fun reminiscing our school days and how irritating some classmates of ours were at school! Well, those good old days! Oh oh. By the way, I have also learnt that Jane is going to tie the knot with her boyfriend in four years' time! Look, see how time flies! We are all now matured adults talking about career and marriage!
So now, what would I be doing after four years? I wonder.
Let's meet soon, friend! I still owe you two meals and a christmas present! XD
