Farewell

oh no! not another! =(

geeh, Ah Leng & Michael had been together for what seemed the longest time ever.. (i vaguely remember the time my dear little cousin coming to ask me about BGR & what i thought about this guy that she liked) - he does seem to have already been 'integrated' as part of my extended family (appearing at most big family events) but.. i've never met his younger brother before. *bish! sarah, what have you been doing??*

mum attends the same church as Ah Leng & Ming Kor (both my cousins) together with brother. (as usual, i'm the only one who seeks things by myself, trying to be different & all..) hence, the friends they know become somewhat inter-connected. *duh* heard mum mentioned that it's the 3rd time Michael's brother suffered from this inflamatory lungs (pls pardon me, hearing from a 3rd party & not having any medical background) but he didnt make it this time round. at first when i received the sms (text) from Ah Leng telling me that Mike's brother had passed on, i couldnt make up my mind what 'passed on' meant. obviously skeptical of my English, i didnt dare believe the news. i didnt wanna embarrass myself so i didnt reply until i reached home & had mum tell me the sad news..

sigh. that aside. a salute to Michael's parents. i must say they are to be respected & honoured. Michael's brother had been born 'special'. he faced many disabilities in life; unable to speak or move by himself & all these while, both parents never gave up on this child. they carried him & supported him in love. sent him to special schools & gave their best for him. wow! what deep love! i don't know them personally but i've seen them once, maybe twice or thrice (my memory failing me). spoke to them briefly once during grandma's wake last year.. i cant imagine how this would change the family's life, but i'm praying that God will move in ways higher than any of us can ever imagine. Lord, help us to trust you. help Michael and his family to tide over this difficult period. help them to know You are in control. bring them comfort, Lord. Thank you Father. In Jesus' name, amen.

You're my shelter in the times of trouble
A refuge in the time of storm
You're a fortress in the time of struggle
A tower in the time of war

You're a healer in the time of sickness
A comfort in the time of grief
You're a stronghold in the times of weakness
A helper in the time of need

Rock of Ages
You are faithful and true
You are able to do what You have promised
Rock of Ages
You are faithful and just
I will always put my trust in You

by Martin J Nystrom