After realizing about two nights back that I found the lack of place to put my thoughts and reflections, I thought why not put it on a blog instead? So, here we go. A new start.
It has been a tough two weeks for me. Rather awkwardly, it has been a good week as well. I think I will start with the tough part.
Just in these last two weeks, parents of two different friends have passed on. These friends of mine are around my age (17-19). Both of them happen to be the oldest child in their families. It has been hard just reflecting on these incidents especially being the eldest child myself. In the last year, three other friends of mine, who are also around the same age category, saw their parents pass on in ways I would have never expected. Heart attacks were one of the main causes and some others which are too complicated to even try explaining.
It has been tough, seeing these incidents happening in the lives of my friends, who have just finished high school or entered into college. I cannot even think of the least of the thoughts that are running through their head. The toughest part about these was that all of it came suddenly and caught everyone off guard. All their parents were living decent, healthy lifestyles and were taking good care of their children. Out of the blue, these guys suffer great loss and break down. Close friends (like myself) don't know how to approach them in a non-threatening way while other parents are afraid to give them advice in fear that they may struggle to come to terms with it even more.
It hurts me most when I see them cry because I know that someday, my parents will no longer be around as well. That is the hardest to come to grasp with. These are the people that brought us up, paid our bills and made an effort to give us comfortable lives. I am glad my mum is all prepared for it. She explained to us just this afternoon that when she's gone, she would want us to put bright flowers around her casket, have the funeral services at home and give her a good burial while realising helium balloons into the sky. I can't imagine myself when that day comes, but at least I would know that she would have gone to a far better place.
Life is short. God can choose to take it away any time and however he chooses. This is why we need to live our life to the fullest everyday. It is tough when we spend too much time on the Internet or just being out with friends that we forget the important things in our lives. Family and God. They play an integral part in our lives. No matter how much scolding or harsh words we get from our parents, we know that it is for our good. We may never see it then but thinking back on it now, I see the benefits that my parents have reaped.
In the last several weeks, this topic of hearts has risen again after that dramatic collapse of Fabrice Muamba on the field during a FA Cup match between Tottenham and Bolton. A 23 year old man, who is strongly built and fit, just collapses in the middle of a match. It just makes you shudder when you even think of it. I have watched clips of players who have collapsed on the field and died. And I see the reaction from the other players and the crowd. It shakes me to my core and I usually fail to view the entire proceedings of the utmost, gruesome videos. Thankfully, Fabrice survived and is recovering in the hospital. Sometimes, we never understand how these things happen but they just do. It is a scary reality that no one is safe, though we may think otherwise.
Earlier this evening while I was about to get on the highway, my old manual car (22 years old, which is older than me) died suddenly. I quickly hurried to stop and frantically called my mum and then the mechanic. The front left's tyre bearing had gone out of shape and so the sudden jerk on the pedals and engine. Quickly brought it back to the workshop, and got it all settled. Then, I thought to myself, a car compared to a life. My terrible incident on the road (thankfully, not a big problem) is so miniature when compared to the trauma that is left for the families who have lost their loved ones. One thing I learned was to be thankful. Be thankful for another day of life. Be thankful for God's protection. Be thankful for family that is still around me. Be thankful for God's grace. These are things we can NEVER take for granted.
One song that came to mind when I was reflecting through all this was Amazing Grace, the classic hymn.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
It is amazing, grace. No one can ever deny that.
Looking now to the good side. It has been a good week. Work has been fulfilling and people in office have been superb. I am looking forward to meeting Peter Schmeichel, Manchester United's legendary goalkeeper this coming week. I have been meeting up with many different people in the past week as well. I will always enjoy people's company and hope for more in this coming weeks! :)
Thank you for reading this long post. I hope that you will reflect on your lives, just as I did. Cheers.
