Life and death. Mostly death.
Hey all. No flashy intro today, just wanna spew some emotions and issues plaguing me. Today has been a dark day for almost about everyone in the Western world. An original Charlie's Angel in Farrah Fawcett passed away early this morning Singapore time, after a long battle with cancer. Joining her today is the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Closer to home and closer to my heart, one of my close friend's father passed away a couple of days ago as well. All these deaths have struck home to me, and makes me think.
Life is but a dash between two dates. Which is why we like to say "live life to the fullest, cos you never know when it may end". True, but increasingly, ain't people more and more caught up in the rat race and the paper chase? I always say that the winner of the rat race is still a rat.
Idealistic me used to say that I do my best to go all out and leave an impression on the lives of the people that mean something to me, cos they deserve it. Cynical me now says I try my best to be a good guy, good listener and encourager cos I want to be remembered for it, should I leave this place in an untimely fashion.
Perhaps the fascination is rather morbid, but from time to time, I believe people entertain the idea of wanting to attend their own funeral. Me too. I always wonder, in my short 18 years and 6 months, whose lives I've touched and to whom have I been more than a passing figure to. I think I have a good idea of a few, but thinking and knowing are two different things.
At my funeral, who would cry? Who would give eulogies about my impact in their life? And what have I done to warrant those eulogies and tears? We don't practise this in Singapore, but who among my friends would want to be my pall bearer? Who would lead the present in singing a rendition of "Amazing Grace"?
Perhaps the last few days has reimpressed the notion of cherishing your loved ones. Love them, and let them know you love them, lest they forget or think you take em for granted. I know, I dearly feel this way towards a once close friend. Ain't the nicest thing in the world to have hanging over your head.
All in all, love him or hate him, MJ was an icon to a generation. That deserves to be remembered. With luck and God's grace, our grandchildren's children will grow up knowing his name, his music and his thrilla dance moves. Mr. Jackson, butt of jokes aside, you will be missed.
But then again...what about me?
This is Daniel signing off, with the verse I had the honour of picking for my grandmother's epitaph.
"For I've fought the good fight
Run the good race
And kept the faith"
~ 2 Timothy 4:7
