I called Clement to ask for direction in the evening. He told me to ask Van to go by ECP and exit Marine Parade. After which, go straight and turn left to Paya Lebar Road when we saw the MRT rail. We couldn't find the MRT track but Van saw the sign that said "Paya Lebar Road". She asked if we should turn becos we were all not sure with the area.

Somehow, my feeling told me to turn. Maybe he knows we are going to see him.. So I told Van "Aiya.. Just wack.. Just turn to this Paya Lebar Road.." although we never see the rail..

So we drove up to Paya Lebar, hoping to find a way to link to Upper Paya Lebar. Finally we saw the sign and followed the road. I was looking out for Bartley Road becos after that, we will reach our destination soon. I saw Bartley Road. I asked Van to slow down..

I think he knows that we were heading down to see him.. So he showed us the way..

The traffic seemed to slow down as we approached Quemoy Road. There was a policeman who stopped every car in front of us. I winded down the window as we approached him. He asked for the purpose of entering this road. We told the police that we were going in to see him.

After which, we drove up the slope. we saw the bright light and white tentage that was unusual for a landed property area becos normally the only visible lights were those from the lamp posts.

Van parked the car.

Before we alighted, I searched thru my bag for my phone and some cash, switched my phone to Slient Mode and stepped out of the car, with a heavy heart.

I have never felt that worst for a long time. We walked towards the tentage area. We were so close to seeing him, one of those the nation has been praying hard for that glimpse of hope for survival a few days back.

There were many people at the wake. A lot of muscular tanned young men. I believed those were dragon boaters from different clubs and teams. We walked nearer to his house and saw Kerry and Becky. Both didnt look too well. Kerry asked if we wanted to go in to see him. We nodded.

Quietly, we walked into the house where the coffin was put with his photo in front. At this moment, I knew everything was real. He was really gone, to a place so far from us. We can only see and remember him through his pictures and images of him in our heart.

I lowered my head to say a prayer for him. I know that he was called home to be with the Lord. To a better place. I have mixed feelings. Sad becos he would now live in our memories and heart. Happy becos he was going to be with God in heaven.

I couldnt hold back my tears anymore. Although I didnt weep loudly, my tears rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably. I had to keep wiping them away. It was irritating that I could no longer control my emotions.

We stayed for about half an hour before Van sent me home. On the way back, we didnt speak much. I guess she was having some thoughts running in her mind and I just wanted some quiet moments too (Although I am usually the one who talked a lot..).

Van, thanks for the ride back once again. Really appreciate it. I know u would read my blog. Wat I wanna say is I love and cherish u as a friend. Just like how God loves and cherishes u as his child. But definitely much lesser than the love from God to u..


The following paragraph will be dedicated to a passionate teacher, whose spirit will live in our heart.

To Stephen,

Personally, I do not know u very well as a friend. In fact, we hardly spoke in school. Maybe hi and bye and some nods and smiles.

But u always have the look on your face that says "I am a dragon boater..." (well at least it appears to me that way..) I never thought a macho man like u will have ur smiley moments..

I remembered once during ICG when u banged onto me so hard that I almost fell flat onto the floor. U never said sorry and continued playing. I was so pissed off that I complaint to Kerry. After which, Kerry went to speak to u and u were actually not aware that u had knocked me down.. But u told Kerry u didnt mean to do it.. Ya.. I understand becos u were so focused in the game.. Of cos, this is the real u.. U are always so focused in everything u do.

U have definitely left a impact in the many young lives out in schools and of cos those of us who have been in PESS with u during ur NIE years..
Thank you.

For the chance to know u.
For the chance to be your schoolmate.
For the chance to know that we have passionate PE teacher like you amongst us.

You will continue to be a motivation and we will live by your legacy.

May u find comfort by His side.

Rest in peace.


With love,
Lynn