The Farewell

2004-10-02 9:55 p.m.

Late nights and scurrying about could summarize last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Sunday was the grand Army Half Marathon. That meant sleeping on the stone floor, rising at 0230 hrs in the early morning, falling asleep in the minivan and at East Coast Park, losing count halfway, learning that the division only got first runner’s up and becoming the unit’s Photographer. Tuesday was leaving early to be Personal Assistant to higher ranking people at The Chevrons club. Food was suppose to be high class, but with the scuttling back and forth, I managed to consumed less than I wanted to. Another hurried activity.

Tuesday was yet another rushing off to a far away location and another last minute decision and action. Gabriel was flying to the UK on that day, and the group was going to see him off. “The group” is slightly inaccurate because firstly I didn’t believe everyone would be able to make it in the late evening and secondly the church would definitely be just a small part of the crowd that would see him off. Now, back to the issue, the exact timing and the exact terminal were still a mystery to me until around the late afternoon. The next few obstacles was whether I could book out on time, transportation and the practicality of the traveling to the airport and reaching home late at night. This was especially since I had duty at camp the next morning. One side told me to rest my lethargic body which was screaming for a period on relaxation form the franticness of the past days. Another side told me to show up, not just to wave goodbye, but to show some appreciation for what Gabriel has done for me over the past seven or so months and what he has done for the church and ACS at large. Both sides pulled me back and forth until at 2100 hrs, I chose the latter.

Changi Airport Terminal 2 was the destination. Now when was the last time I wa there? Ages ago, for even my trip to Australia was from Terminal One. (Or so I remember.) Whatever the case, I was sort of disorientated as I entered the building, and this was increased with the construction work that was going on. Initially, I thought that I could pick out the check in counter where Gabby would be based on the crowd size but all around me were small clusters of people. Next step, check out the information from the screens. Sure enough, I found Gabby, who was busy on the handphone and as well as a pretty large crowd. First to approach me was his mother, whom I never got to meet often in church. She thanked me for coming, ask how I was and called her husband over. After greeting him, I move off heading towards the SG 13 group, scanning the crowd as I went. Other LWMC fellow worshippers were around, Gabby’s Family and some ex ACJC students. Not just ex ACJC, but ex ACS (I) too, I thought. Wasn’t that Dansen Yeo and Joshua Teng? (Can’t remember his exact surname?) Gosh, wer they all SC1s ? (ACJC’s star triple class) Looking at their haircut, I guessed that they all disrupted from NS pursue Medicine at NUS. Answers would come later.

Justina, Colin, Alvin, Allan and Jac comprised the gang that I approached. After swapping hellos, I learnt that Elaine was also on her way and that they had just snapped a picture with Gabby. Sucks, I always miss the photo ops in such events. Anyway, the topic for the group this time round was of all things GP6D, something which we NSFs should have heard of. Colin (or ws it Jac?) was trying to explain it to the rest. Topic then shift to something else but I did pay much attention to it, for I was try to find a chance to talk to Gabriel. That didn’t seem likely though, with him surrounded by the others. Turning back to the conversation, Jac and Justina suddenly burst out laughing. Huh? What transpired I asked Alvin. Oh the usual stuff he added, though I think he was just as puzzled as I was. Elaine popped by a few minutes later and it was time for group photo. That took quite a while as camera and photographer problems occurred. I didn’t turn out very well (well I meant as I used to in most photos). It was my hiar face or smile. Maybe my sleepiness?

Burger King was the next stop as Jac whined of her hunger. You’re not suppose to eat if you want to lose weight Alvin commented. (FYI, Jac and Justina are on this regime on running a certain number of laps a day to keep in shape). A small argument ensued but still we headed over to BK. That joint is one of my least frequent joints but seems to be a favourite of SG 13. Alvin produced some coupons and food came shortly. Picking up a French (Freedom) Fry, I sought Jac’s permission only to get some more whining before saying yes. Then GP6D came up again, along with the issue of Arts Students versus Science Students. Allan was sort of playing a fool asking Jac to define all the medical terms she mentioned, even simple ones like “enzyme” and “body”, citing that the dumbest patient would question the doctor like this. Then the usual table laughter broke out again, with Justina citing that she lost all traces of her scientific knowledge. Then just as they were finishing their last bites, the four SC1 boys occupied the table opposite us and called out to Jac,”Yoho, we’re studying for tomorrow’s Anatomy Test.” Ah, the usual taunting in the midst of examinations and tests. That also explains the Large Anatomy book carried by Jac. Now, that may just be a comment, but it got Jac whining again in her usual manner about pre exam woes. Typical trait of her which I don’t believe has much effect.

The last fifteen minutes saw us back at the check in area. It was terribly late and I said my final goodbyes to Gabriel, thanking him for all he did for me through the months I had known him. Then off I went immersed deep in thought as usual. I suppose it’s not unusual to meet someone and forge an instant rapport with him or her. To me, it’s another thing when someone actually cares so much and gives you guidance and shelter when you’re lost. I may be exaggerating a bit here. But yes, Gabriel really was a true friend, taking me into his already well established Small Group when that could have taking a few more weeks. The group also played a part by welcoming me so warmly and without and barriers at all. Gabriel however, went further than that, establishing more common ground with me by introducing me to the other church members and old ACS comrades. He built back the missing bridge I had with that school and the Methodist Church. Aside from that, he’s be a remarkable SG leader along side Alvin. Sunday meetings would see him presenting well researched issues to discuss. He may be the practical one, but would always join in the laughter due to other’s inputs or simply forge the joke himself. During post discussion lunches, conversation with him flows as smoothly as a river, even with subjects about his JC experiences and past church events. He’s also a dedicated member of the Church’s musical group, playing his heart out every time he’s on stage. A faithful friend whom you rarely find in this world. Gabriel, if you’re reading this, I miss the time we played Cranium together, the time I went against you in Scrabble and the other board games sessions. It was a joy having your company at every lunch gathering, at every meeting. SG 13 will certainly miss you. You were an integral part of the Small group, the Church and the ACS family. Thank you so much once again and may you continue to receive God’s blessing wherever you journey.

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