Farewell Ah Der

You left us all of a sudden, and I regret not keeping in touch with you more frequently. You were a childhood playmate, a leader of our gang of siblings and cousins, whose turf was at Blk 112 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4. We ran the whole block in our game of hide-and seek, and we did so bare-footed. We cheated while counting down from 100 to 0 as the rest ran away to hide. We hid outside the rubbish chute, and in any corners that we can squeeze our little bodies into. I loved reading your collection of "Lao Fu Zi" comic books and playing with your transformer toys and computer games, but these were usually done without you knowing as you didn't like us playing with your precious toys. I asked for grandma's permission while you were in school.

As we grew older, we were busy with our own lives and circle of friends. We only met during Chinese New Year or during visits to Grandmother's grave. You love the outdoors and participated in cycling events and water sports, particularly canoeing. I remembered going with you to a Runway Cycling event back in 1995. It was fun and I remembered it till now, also because we have to get up in the wee hours that morning.

We grew apart, and I heard of what you have been doing through our mums. In mid 2007, you asked me if I could photograph a round-island dragon boat expedition that you were involved in. I was busy and declined. You were having diabetes, but that did not stop you from rowing or canoeing. You cycled everywhere to the training venues. I guess that is your way of fighting back the disease and freedom to do what you love kept you going strong. The last time I saw you, you were cycling, and you lost your life doing what you love...coaching secondary school students in canoeing.

We cannot accept the fact that you were gone just like that, and I can never comprehend your mother's pain. The least I can do for you is to console her and let her know that we are still around for her. Your sister and brother are devastated by your sudden departure, but they have to be strong for your mum. Your aunties dote on you even though you were the most stubborn one among us.

I went to your room and photographed the little things that you left behind. I hope you don't mind as I left everything the way it is. You were always quiet and reserved everytime we visited, but there was always a smile on your face. You stayed true to you passion and pursued them as you fight you illness head-on. You will be missed, our son, our brother and our cousin.



I got this photo from my colleague who photographed the Round Singapore Dragonboat Challenge 2007. Your were holding the oar, I imagined it must have been quite a sight in front of you, and maybe that is why you love the sport so much. Farewell Ah Der Gor Gor.