Before I begin yet another ranting, I want to seek your forgiveness God, for I had sinned heavily today. I'd heard the alarm, it is going off like crazy and I'm well aware that I've to fix the problem. And I will.
Earlier today, I had a catch-up chat convo on MSN with Alex, a friend I got to know when I was learning martial arts in Singapore. We had a few minutes of all the usual "how's life for ya?" and other what's not before the topic on Steven had my mind permeated with sadness and grieves. And a hint of remorse, for being such a lousy friend.
Alex, Steven and I were from the same martial arts school. We started off at about the same time and hence attained our black belts one after one another. Although our friendship were not as close as it could had gotten cause I left at one point, but nonetheless everyone was like part of this big family! It was esepcially so after we started to help 大师兄(it means "big elder brother" literally, and is a way of addressing the most experienced senior in the same wushu school) during normal lesson time at the local community centre. The seniors, we trained 3 times a week including the day at the community centre. We all specialised in a different weapon but everyone knows the basics to the baton and the punching style. I was an expert at sword and Steven and Alex at sparring and baton respectively. Those were the days when I was still a tomboy. No one back then would be able to associate that tomboy they knew, with the Jomel now.
I like both boys and take their friendships seriously even though we subsequently lost contact through gradual decreasing interaction after I moved away. Then today, out of a random mood, I clicked on Alex's name as his window popped up from the corner of my screen when he logged in. We were happily catching up when the topic stopped on Steven. My stomach started knotting up when Alex begun his sentence with "Do you know Steven's situation now...", it was like the beginning to a tragic story that involves an accident. I later found out that Steven had a very bad fall during his national service where he hurt his head and was left with some serious brain damage. According to Alex who was there for most part of this journey, Steven had to undergo several surgeries to be kept alive. Doctor estimated his IQ to be those of a primary school kid even after he made it past the death gate.
.... what sort of friend am I? We were as close as we could get before and yet I only came to know about this almost 3 years after it happened?? When Alex was done talking, my heart was barely moving as well. I was suffocated with so much grives... I mean.... this was the same guy i was teaching a flying push kick to, the same guy who captured all the girl's heart when he first joined the class, the same guy I danced with just before I left Singapore for Australia in Zouk....the same guy who had his future all planned out for him... and yet now, daily activities are more than manageable??
There is nothing I could do for Steven being so far away. I had arranged to visit him when I'm scheduled home in Jan, but Alex thinks Steven wouldnt be able recognise me anymore since he could hardly retain memories of even a year....
On a second note, the realisation that that could be me today if Randy hadn't protected me in our accident years ago, reminded me that I should feel blessed. I am so lucky... I really am... who am I to self-pity when worse things could had happned? Who am I to take my life for granted when there is a cure waiting right now as we speak? Who am I to take all these luck for granted?? Afterall, I'm still alive...and is mentally and physically fit. I have to stop complaining, I shall start doing, I shall take my doctor's advice seriously, I wanna make myself healthy again, for both Steven and myself.
a picture taken couple of years ago...
God bless.