All in all, 3 of my friends passed away in 2 years. A question is still swinging in my head, "are these all TRUE?"  This is, again, another heavy time that bears down on me although it may not seem to be related to my life.

Vividly still be in my memory the day when Zion delivered the sad news about Jonia and vividly still be in my memory the day when I sobbed in the funeral of Mr. Chan.Time is yet short for my memories to fade when the story seems to repeat itself for another episode; a tragedy that none likes and all sigh.

Some months ago, father and I went to the columbarium wherein my grandpa's ashes are kept. His face has been fading and the only complexion left in my mind is the one on his cinerary urn, still grinning but no longer clear. I wonder if I can still regconise him in the future when I become too old and frail.

Previously rotating in Kwong Wah Hospital, I clerked a patient with Parkinson's disease, just as my grandpa did, who in many ways was reminiscent of my grandpa; though how much different would it be were the patient truly be him.

When the news of one's demise reach my ear, time tracks back himself to the day when I last saw the face of my grandpa at the back of the funeral hall, so emaciated that barely resembled him. So much funny time and laughers burst out around my ears as time goes back more; he is holding my hands, walking from Sunday Yum-cha with grandma, sometimes he even makes jokes although he seldom smiles. (now I realised it was caused by Parkinson's disease) Recollecting all these and all in a sudden it comes to a halt; I realise myself without grandpa around and never would he be around anymore, leaving me in despair and silence.

Time keeps his own pace and has never stopped; I should well be on my feet and carry on with my steps forward.

子在川上曰。逝者如斯乎。不舍晝夜。

One needs not be like Confucius to fathom the quintessence of his words, needs not be like poet Li Bai to discern the affective facade of all humane parts of life. I myself, likewise, do see the rushing pace of each second but vainly keeping up with it at my full strain; at times, even toppled down and trampled over by its relentless steps.

Can we take a brief rest and a deep breath for some while, Time?

The departure of one means so much to me, at least, for I know it by heart.

One after another, is it a mere coincidence? I cannot tell, at least, for I am a mere man.

Lord once told Thomas, "I go to prepare a place for you." Follow what path will we reach that place, one that is of glory yet unforeseeable with all secular eyes, of eternity yet unreachable to all worldly lives? The answer, for sure, will not reveal to us in days or years, but hold it in faith and we might get it one day.

To The Lovely Lady and The Respectable Teacher

This summer vacation has evoked my thoughts so deeply, hit home at my heart!

2 of my friends passed away, in an utterly same way.

A girl with invincible determination to bring love and warmth to whoever might come across her; brought with her a radiant smile and sprightly existence from the small and poor country of East Timor to LPCUWC, consoling hearts of many; Jonia, she has left us in an accident in another continent which shall never again enjoy the privilege to receive her grace.

A competent paterfamilias nurturing an adorable daughter with all his love, a caring teacher nourishing his students with all his might and main, a humorous man neglecting his own dignity to bring about the laughter of others, my respectable Mr. Wong has left us today in yet another drowning accident. His terrestrial life has come to a sudden end in the midst of gloom, resembling his name 蒼茂.

Life comes easy not, time we treasure ought.