Building Friendships (Part 1)

I had a few touching moments – all within the span of a day.

That morning, I almost choked on my coffee when I saw a familiar face on the obituary column. It was a friend that shared some of my most memorable childhood memories.

William Goh, one of my friends in Primary School, had past away.

That evening, I rushed down to the church to pay my last respect. I was not surprised that a crowd was already there.

William was one of the brightest and most talented boys during my time. He was a good leader, very articulate and had an infectious sense of humour. I was sure he had no lack of friends around him.

As I took a corner seat at the back of the room, my mind started to wonder back to the good times that we shared together.

William stayed within 10 minutes of walking distance from my house. He had to pass my house before reaching the school, by which time, he would have rounded up a few other good friends.

From Primary 1 to the final year, he was consistently ranked within the top three positions in terms of academic results. He was also one of the best looking and amicable boys in the class.

Always with a big grin, William made friends easily. He was also good at sports – and that’s how we spent most afternoons together.

He had a singing team that won the school talentime with the 1960s hit, ‘Sad Movies.’ We spent many happy moments singing together and galivanting around town, living a happy and carefree childhood.

Thinking of those wonderful times and looking at his coffin, I could not stop the tears from swelling beneath my eyes. I held them back so that I could join in the moving memorial service.

After the service was over, I took my turn at the queue to offer my condolences to the family.

When I finally got to the front, there was a moment which would always stay in my mind for the rest of my life.

I offered my words of condolences to William’s wife.

That was when I was introduced to his youngest son, a boy who was quite clearly of Primary School age.

I looked at his face and froze.

A wave of emotions just swept over me.

I felt like I was looking at William Goh’s face when he was my classmate so many years ago.

 

William, my friend, you will always live in my mind.

Thanks for the wonderful time. Memories of you will stay with me till we meet again.

And then, once again, we will roam happily and care-freely.

We will sing and play in that magical playground beyond the blue.

 

Go4It!

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

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

Please go to ‘Notes’ found below my profile picture.

Visit my Transformation blog at http://hsrpatrickliew.wordpress.com

Visit my Inspiration blog at http://liewinspiration.wordpress.com

Please read them and continue to teach me.

Life is FUNtastic!

 

Question: How can we have more friends in our lives?