Living Moments (Part 14)

by Patrick Liew on April 18, 2012

There are some appointments that you will never want to miss in your life. Yesterday, I had one of them.

Despite a hectic day and other conflicting appointments, I have already decided I must go to Ruqiah’s 60th …birthday bash. I would regret it for the remaining part of my life if I were not there.

Over the years, Ruqiah has become more than a colleague, and she is more than just a friend. That’s the reason why I affectionately call her ‘kakak’ which in Malay means sister. If anything, I told her, “You are one of the reasons why I look forward to going to work every day”.

At the lowest point of my life in 2003, I was forced to go back to work to ‘save’ my business from total collapse. She was one of the first to assure me that she would stay in the company and brave the storm with me.

Together with Ruqiah and many amazing colleagues, we fought this and many other battles to build – and continue to rebuild – the company to become a visionary movement. We became part of, in the words of our value statement, a warm, dynamic and caring family.

More than just an outstanding leader and an entrepreneur, Ruqiah has a heart of gold. Perhaps, I should use the words, ‘a heart of diamond’ to help you realize how much she has touched the lives around her. 

During the party, one person after another came forward and commended her respectfully and lovingly as “sister” and even “mummy”. Quite a few tears were shed in gratitude and appreciation for what she has done for them.

As a company that has won the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award and helped to win many other awards for our social contributions, I must say that we could never have done it without Ruqiah and other volunteers. 

People like Ruqiah sacrificed time, money and energy – with no desire to have any awards, recognitions or other rewards – to help the poor, the needy, and the disadvantaged. I cannot say enough about how they have brightened up many a life through their selfless contributions.

Ruqiah, I pray that our Creator will continue to bless you with many more wonderful years. I have no doubt in my mind you will use it to, if I may borrow the following statements from our company’s corporate philosophy, touch lives, bless families, enhance communities, and improve society. 

Kakak, last night I danced again with you. I hope to continue to dance with you right till the last day of our lives.

Thank you for being my kakak. I’m eternally grateful for the awesome part that you have played in my life.

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

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

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

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

Please read them and continue to teach me.

Life is FUNtastic!

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