Thoughts of T

News about him take me back to the “trip” we shared years back, every single time. Nothing fancy, he simply gave me a ride back after some sort of family reunion at my aunt’s. I remember how the folks compliment his good look. And just by listening to his talk you could straight away recognize his flair. Those traits combine with his obvious good manner, made his presence among us that day very likable. He was such a persona, that I presume the ladies would call ‘charming’. What made it even more so was the fact that it was a rare occasion. Due to family issues, he wasn’t very acquianted with many of us, if not all. The gathering on that fateful day was very special, so to speak.

He was a lecturer in Atmajaya at the time. “So that the knowledge stick”, I remember him explaining why he chose to be a teacher. We talked about many random things in the car on the way home. Just a small chat between two cousins who never met before. I can’t really recollect what we talked about that day. We had a good talk along the way, is all I can retain from our short moment together. We parted ways when he finally dropped me off, and went on with our lives.

Years later after moving back, I still heard about him from time to time. Him being engaged in business and was quite successful at it. Was happy for him, deep down. But recent news about him was unfortunately not a pleasant one. He got quite sick with a severe disease that required operation. I heard that he went to as far as Singapore and Japan for treatment. He made it through, but was never the same man. Latest news, he and his family even went to Europe. But this morning I learned that the last trip was not of medical purpose, but rather a spiritual one. It was also this morning, I learned of him passing. I was sad, for him and his family. Michael Jackson’s rendition of ‘Gone Too Soon’ was how I perceive the event. “Nang se” was the two words of teo chew uttered by Mom about it. Loosely translated, it means that’s life. I couldn’t agree more.

Rest in peace, Bro Agung. Your simple act of kindness will always be remembered. Godspeed...

- SW -