Farewell to the brave souls...

Hey everyone. Oh my God yes it’s me again! How is everyone? I hope all of you are fine. The last time I blog was eons ago! Hahaha so sorry for the late update. I’ve been terribly busy with work and stuff. Got a new job as a tour consultant and it’s been fun. Stressful but good. And I’m so busy, until I don’t have time for myself at times! Hahaha terrible right, yeah.

I would really really love to talk about my life, but I feel that this issue is more important than anything else in my life. I mean, the weird thing is that I really don’t know any of these guys, but I really feel so much for them.

I woke up yesterday morning, feel sick and sian, cos I’m like coughing and having a terrible cold. What was gonna happen next didn’t make things any better. I was rudely awake by the morning papers. I woke up and the headline was this:

“FIVE MISSING S’PORE ROWERS FEARED DEAD”

Whoa! Okay... and I read and read... it sounded really terrible... and I saw a familiar name amongst this sentence:

‘The missing five are: Jeremy Goh, 24; Stephen Loh, 31, REUBEN KEE, 23; Poh Boon San, 27 and Chee Wei Cheng, 20”.

REUBEN KEE?!?!? Isn’t he that popular guy... that Mr Singapore 2007 or something... (okay I sound biased, but his name struck my mind 1st)

I thought I must be dreaming. I immediately turned the page and saw that charming smile of his. OH MY GOD. You gotta be kidding me. And I saw the faces of 4 other rather dashing men. My imaginary jaw just fell onto the floor. My heart skipped a beat.

All of them are barely even 30 (except for one... but still)!! And... what??!?! Missing!?!? Tonle Sap River, Cambodia??? I felt a twitch. My God. As I was home (cos of my sickness) the whole day, I kept checking the news... praying and hoping that they will be alive. Their bodies were found. But they didn’t make it. It’s a real pity. How could this be possible???

I asked myself, “Why did they leave the world so fast? What did they do to deserve this? Why is God so unfair???” I wish God could answer my questions.

Forget about the life jackets. I bet you, thousands of dragonboaters are doing the same thing and they are just suay (unlucky) to have met such a terrible fate. Forget about the choppy river. I’m sure they managed to row without a problem.

I just don’t get it. Why do all these bad things happen to nice people? A filial son, a student motivator, a multi-talented guy, a nice chap and a young boy who barely reach adulthood. Why did God have to do this?

I thought to myself... I think and think... and even cried over it.

But, then I realised that God must have a reason for this. It may not be sensible, but He has a plan. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not getting all religious and stuff, but I believe that He does things like that for a reason. A tragic one, seriously. But, yeah...

Now you must be wondering... I don’t know them. Why are I getting so emo over it? Well... I actually asked myself that. But I think it’s maybe because most of them are close to my age range and it’s just sad to know that they... are so young. And they don't deserve this crap.

The one that is closest to my age (and is someone I actually recognise) is Reuben Kee.



Like many others, I couldn’t believe that he was one of the missing few. I first saw his picture on the newspaper (ironically, Sunday Times too) about an interview on keeping fit. Wow, this guy must be really cool.

Then I also found out that he composes music, is very sporty and is a Mr Singapore 2007. Wow... his parents must be very proud of him. Moreover, he seems to be the kind that every guy would want to be and every girl would want to have. But God took him earlier.

I know this is weird... to be blogging and emo over someone I don’t even know. I mean, it has come to a point where I think it’s seems rather gay to be all so emo. I know, as gay as it sounds, I feel for him. I mean, at 23 years old, he has achieved a lot. I mean all these music, contests and fitness... I really feel that he’s lucky in every way.

I’d have never expected something so terrifying and tragic to shaken the lives of him and those around him. It seem so sudden and unexpected, somewhat even wrong. Imagine the parents' hearts, the saddened friends and family and the confused public.

But all of these has actually taught me a few things:

1. Never give up on yourself
2. Never make regrets for yourself
3. Live life to the fullest
4. Never take your loved ones for granted
5. Be happy, always.

I think that even though I don’t know him at all, he has inspired me to do more than I can. Sometimes, I feel like life is really terrible and sickening (and yes I do feel depressed at times), I shouldn’t give up. Cos, life is short, really. I think it’s best to just do the best in whatever you can and achieve something to be proud of. I have a lot to do now. I think I have the motivation to soar to greater heights.

To Reuben, my only regret is not getting to know a wonderful guy like you. And I am sure that your family members and friends were proud of you. Please keep them safe in your heart. And thanks for the inspiration.

And to all the other dragonboaters, I also wish that you will rest in peace and may God bless you and your family and friends. Please be safe up in Heaven.

To everyone else, please don’t give up on yourself. Always believe in yourself. Be strong.

This is Ron, signing off. Hasta la vista, amigos!