5. Happy Father’s Day (Sunday, June 17, 2017) – Story #5: An Amazing Bromance

5. Happy Father’s Day (Sunday, June 17, 2017) – Story #5: An Amazing Bromance

On 1 March, 2012, I drove Ma back from her hometown in Kulai, Malaysia.

On the way, she shared with me a story that touched my heart deeply.

Ma told me about the special friendship between Papa and her brother.

It was a relationship that I knew little about, a bond that few have ever experienced in their lifetimes.

It was a friendship that would seem strange not only to me but also to many others.

I could not comprehend how they could be so close to one another – two men with different upbringings and living in two different countries.
They also had a totally different personality.

My father was a humorous and jovial person while my uncle was a serious person who had a solemn disposition.

They hardly had the chance to meet one another, let alone spend quality time together.

On the rare occasion when my Uncle dropped by my home, Papa would welcome him with an affection that was beyond me.

They would usually go to Papa’s favourite Bak Kut Teh stall and order a steaming bowl of soup. Then, they would pour their hearts out to one another.

Their laughters still rings in my ears.

On 17 March 1990, Papa passed away suddenly.

He had a heart attack and collapsed at the Changi Airport to the shock of many airline passengers.

Uncle came to the wake, crying literally like a baby.

My family had to watch over him throughout the funeral ritual for fear he would do something untowards to himself.

After returning to his home, Uncle continued to be in deep grief.

He missed Papa so much that he was virtually in a daze throughout the day.

He tried to drown his sorrow through alcoholic drinks but his mind would give him no relief from thoughts of Papa.

The friendship and affection that they shared overwhelmed the healing power of Time.

Perhaps I should say, my Uncle never gave Time a chance.

Two weeks later, my Uncle passed away.

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Reflection

When I thought over this story, I couldn’t help but be touched by the friendship between my Uncle and Pa.

If you have been reading my blog, you would know that my father had many friends.

He was a friendly man and a person whom many could count upon for help.

I am proud of this legacy that Papa left behind for me, an inspiration to cultivate more friends and to strengthen friendships throughout my life.

Uncle, thank you for your deep friendship with my Papa. May you rest in peace.

Once again, thank you Papa.

When the sun rises tomorrow, I will continue your legacy.

I will be a true friend and will stretch out my hands of friendship to others.

Go4It!

I hope this message will find a place in your heart.

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

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