Tribute; A Man Like No Other

It's been 2 days, and i'm starting to feel the need to write (or type, in this case), to find peace and to find closure. This post is dedicated to one of the strongest and bravest person i've ever known, and i'm really hoping he's in a safer and painless place now.

Though i'd not had the fortune nor opportunity to be a good friend to him, he had always been in the vicinity, igniting laughters and joy in his former classes (Helea and Deja Vu), both of which had been just next to my former classes. He was truly a ray of sunshine, giving in his all for his friendships and being a true brother to many of the guys in our level. I've had only snippets of memories of him, but i guess the one that got etched the deepest was one during a badminton training that i sort of chanced upon. He was (and would probably always be) a source of motivation and support to his teammates, and he was an incredible sportsman in skill, in spirit and in determination.

We often lament and complain that life isn't fair, and it really isn't. Getting diagnosed with cancer in Year 4, the restrictions and pain being put onto his life must've been unbearable. Chemo and treatment disrupted his academics, his love for sports and he was seen less along the corridors. Yet, he held on to his unyielding, fighting spirit, and continued to give in his all despite everything. His determination and strength was truly respectable, from the start of it all.

I guess as time passes, we start to take things for granted, believing in the notion that "everything will be alright in the end". He was better, and though it was obvious that he struggled through the demons of the disease, he returned to school and entered Senior High with us, as a family. Seeing him back in school with his tired but contagious and genuine grin, i guess many of us took for granted and believed that he'd have conquered the illness. Belief was good, but seeing all the guilt and the regret from many of us, it struck me on how much we took for granted in life. My heart aches for his family and his closest friends, on the endless desires to say a proper goodbye, and on the fact that we all lost a friend - one whom left behind a true legacy.

So Ervin, here's to you. Here's to your strength, your courage, your sincerity. Here's to being a true man, a true hero who chose not to give up despite all that's been unfairly put in your path. And here's to your abbreviated but meaningful journey which had impacted us all. It's truly more than words could ever say... Thank you so much for showing us what it means to be a true warrior, a true fighter and a true man.

I truly hope that you're safe and rested, wherever you may be. You are loved, respected and dearly missed. May we meet again, someday, somehow.

Truly a blessing to all of us.
200495 - 180912, but remembered and cherished for eternity.

--

Ephesians 1:16 (ESV)
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

& to his family, his closest buddies and classmates; stay strong, and live well without regrets. May you all be blessed by him and the Angels with good health and happiness..