Thursday, October 18, 2007

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When I first started working, I had this boss whom I really admired and looked up to. He was smart, brilliant, articulate, down to earth and was hot in so many ways that I lost count. He appreciated the fresh graduates for whatever little work that they contributed to the firm and he spoke to us, instead of down at us, as so many directors would have done. He had a great heart, a sense of deep compassion and understanding for others. I haven't seen him since I resigned but I have always wanted to drop by his office at 23rd floor, just to see how he was doing, maybe catch up a little. Turns out, he was scheduled to play badminton at the inter-accounting games I was joining! Here was my grand opportunity at rekindling the old connection. I really wanted to talk to him, desperate to a certain extent, because the times that we chatted, I felt like he spoke right to my heart and he made so much sense about everything, even when my own head didn't. He was fatherly, kind and wise. Which 22 year old wouldn't be in awe?

I received a call last night from my old colleague informing me that he has passed away. He died after collapsing from a heart attack during badminton practice. It is unbelievably shocking. I keep thinking I will be seeing him next Saturday at the tournament even after seeing his dead body in the coffin. In my mind, he still exists; I can clearly see his face and hear his voice. Sometimes I think it's best not to wait and just pick up the phone and call because so very often, we forget that we are all on borrowed time.