Friday, January 22, 2010
Seconds ticked by, hours streamed by and days flew by rapidly. In a blink of an eye, I have already served my nation 134 days exactly!
Apart - in between of the 134 days, I loss another elder cousin who was extremely close to me on whom was from my dad's side. Still remember the days when I was 15 when I was regularly sent out of my parents' house by my temperamental dad, he was the one who asked me to come over and stay at his house and bringing me up to be an independent, as well as teaching me to be a responsible young man for my wrongdoings. Ever since, he had been my brother, father and uncle.
His departure on 24th October 2009 (on my dad's Birthday) really sadden me, even up till now. Still clear in my mind the day before - on the 23rd, as I had just finished my training and was just about to book out, I happened to look at my mobile phone and saw many missed calls. Later was informed by my mum, my cousin had met with a minor accident the day before and he was in ICU at that point of time.
Hearing that, I straight away machiam like Commando, flew down the fleet of stairs and requested to the COS for early released. Luckily Sergeant Wen Fong was kind enough to make the effort to consult OC regarding my request and soon, I was off from Pulau Tekong and heading to NUH located in mainland.
Few hours after my arrival at NUH, I managed to catch a glimpse of my late cousin's look. He seemed to be sleeping. Later, I had a shocked of my life. I overheard the Doctor saying to my aunt (my cousin's wife) that my cousin's condition was critical. His life was at stake and there is high probability he won't be able to make it. Upon hearing that, my heart sunk and I said prayers till the wee hours of the morning - where my cousin passed away at about 4 in the morning.
Right after, I cried uncontrollably. Tears after tears rolled down my cheek like a natural made waterfall. The thought of him leaving behind his wife as well as his 3 young kids aging 11, 7 and 6 made me feel extremely sad. The words which he once said to me still lingers in my mind. Few weeks before his death he told me how he really wanted to see his children grow up and having succeed in their studies and life.
Thus, in order for his dreams and wishes to come true, I always try my best to make myself free to teach his kids (my nephew & nieces) in their curricular subjects whenever I book out from camp. Apart, I will consistently remind them to study hard for their late dad's dreams, as well as the fact that if they study well, they will not only have a good life ahead abut also they will be able to support their mum when they grow up. Other than these, I sometimes brought them to visit their dad's graves and also call them to ask on their well-beings whenever my training ends early.
May my cousin's - Allahyarham Mohd Rasid Bin Hj. Madsah soul be placed in heaven. Al Fateha.
Another Loss ............... Written By Hafiez Ismail
