Drownings....

I received an sms late fri night saying my ex colleague from MKA passed away.

My initial reaction was: how did he die? Second: Then what happened to the Mid Year Retreat my adviser was going to with them?

Today, answers were revealed and it was also featured in the Straits Times, Home Section.

He drowned while playing Beachball in Phuket. Friends said the current was too strong. Two others were also gasping for breath, one of whom is my ex colleague also. My ex-Manager saw three heads bopping up and down the surface of the sea and alerted the life guard and the other two were rescued. Alas for Bernard, he didnt survive. He was a young man in early 30s i think and married. Imagine... They were actually celebrating some awards by the company..

Retreat cancelled. Instead of the advisers, the widow was flown to Phuket..

Hmmm im trying to decide whether i should go to the wake. i knew him, i should go. but it wld be embarassing to come empty handed. Jurong West is inaccessible. But then, it wld be an experience for Zubair if he come along...

I recalled two almost drowning incidents i encountered.

1. East Coast. with Girl friends

Maybe like 5 or 6 yrs ago, we were playing choo choo train in the sea. Holding each other's shoulders and tiptoeing parallel to the beach.

You know, East Coast is a reclaimed land with artificial beach that's too steep. then one big wave came and suddenly we cldnt feel the ground!! we were all waving our hands. some said they were sat on by another friend. i remembered i pushed myself down then kicked myself back up again as high as i cld to get the air.

A friend was watching on the beach and helped to pull us out or something. it was SUPER scary!

2. East Coast. with Zubair and Hamzah (my cousin)

This is just 3 months ago. Hamzah was on a bed buoy and i was clinging to Zubair while he steered us. i didnt know what happened but suddenly Zubair's face changed but he looked angry and he kept saying, "Come nearer to the beach."

I didnt realise until we were safe that Zubair cldnt feel the bottom anymore. maybe it was a big wave or maybe its the too steep gradient that he didnt anticipate. i dont even know how he managed to stay afloat cos he doesnt know how to swim but i recalled him paddling like crazy with his ONE arm. His other arm was pulling the buoy.

At that time, the feeling was a mixture of fear, gratefulness, panic and funnily... overwhelming LOVE.