RIP

Have not been fishing with the boys for quite some time. Just got back from the Holy Land and was planning ot do some fishing with them. However, just last Thurs, got a text from my wife that my old fishing chum had suddenly passed away. He was only 46. The last time we met was on 7 Mar and we were planning to go long-line fishing. I just could not believe what I read and tears came forth.

I went to the home where he was laid. Here was my friend. The same friend that was with me when I just born again into Christ. We were always hanging out going to different services and fishing. He was there where we saw a pod of dolphins and when I caught my 6kg cobia off Pulau Tekong on a sampan. We also laid long-lines off Changi Yacht Club and there we caught huge conger eels and groupers. We even fished off Pulau Pangkor in Perak and he was laughing at me for my constant chumming of the water with my seasicked stomach! He was a boisterous , larger-than-life generous man.

My mind screamed out "Why" did it happen to him? I did not know and over the last couple of days, it was tough. I had my Pastor pray for me and the peace of God came upon me. I know that my friend is with Lord as I will be one day and we will meet again.

Nothing prepares you for death. It is painful and sudden but in Christ, we know that where we are heading for. But one thing for sure, his memory lives on in my heart for he was a good friend of mine and I will miss him.

When I fish these days, I sometime think that my friend is fishing next to me with his loud laughter and comments - that's just him! I loved him as a brother. Somehow, fishing will never be quite the same again but one day, we will meet again on the other side and I read that there are rivers there so that means only one thing.....