Of all that is seen and unseen....

It has been two months now since I moved house. Almost settled in, there are still some things here and there that need to be done.

There has been no daily routine, except that I have been getting up at five in the morning. At six, I start to walk to the bus stop, which takes me ten minutes. Three bus stops away, I can take the direct bus to church avoiding having to change buses. I find myself in church by six thirty, which is earlier than when I was staying nearby the church. Occasionally, someone will give me a ride in their car.

Lately, I feel my life passing me by. Some old magician friends took me and the wife out for dinner one Sunday. Meeting some other old friends, we had a good time reminiscing over the past and singing some of the oldies.

Last Saturday, I attended a wedding in church. The groom was a nephew of a dear departed colleague in the air force. His father has been keeping in touch with me, knowing how close I had been with his brother, Lawrence.

Lawrence was with me in No. 1 Squadron, and we spent many flying hours together and enjoying each other's company for many years. When Lawrence got married, I was in his guard of honour, and helped him set up the reception at the Officers Mess.

After our service days, Lawrence migrated to Australia. I had lost contact with him until one day, I had a surprise call from Lawrence here in Singapore. We met up for lunch and thereafter we had lunch whenever he came to Singapore. I found out that his wife had passed away due to illness. I noticed that Lawrence was losing weight and did not look good. He brushed it away by saying that his liver was not functioning well.

I did not hear from Lawrence again until one morning, I was serving the altar at the morning Mass in church, when the priest read out the Mass Intentions. Lawrence had passed away in Australia. His brother had requested the Mass for Lawrence. I was shocked and felt a deep sense of loss for an old friend. Last Saturday, I met Lawrence only son. He has his own family now. When I saw him, I thought of his parents, who were such good and close friends of mine and how we were so young and happy many years ago.

I just had a call from my old magician friend, inviting me to the SAM guest night tonight. I shall attend to see how the new young members are doing. Most of the older members have gone and being a founder/charter member myself, it will be interesting to see SAM is doing these days.

Ah to be young again!

Till then....