Sudden goodbyes are hard because there is no closure.
yet it seems that some loved ones of the five young men, had dreamt about their friend, and had the chance for a goodbye.
I don't know any of them, yet because of their age, because it was dragonboat, because of what just happened to Xue, because it was not just one, but five, because seventeen survived. How did fate choose which five had to go?
I was shocked, devasated, exasperated. why did they decided to row back themselves? why were they not wearing lifevests? why were they not more cautious?
The part i hate most? i know why.
You never know the pleasure of rowing, if you've never done it. Rowing leisurely is so different from competitively. I remember rowing from kallang to boat (or is it clark) quay, docking at the steps, and having breakfast at macs, before rowing back to kallang.
Anthony always said to never stop rowing, especially cos we were in open waters. He always stressed how dangerous it could be, now he has an example to add to the warning.
Rowing leisurely; we waved to couples taking their wedding pictures, kids on excursions, construction workers at the esplanade site. We saw things different from how others would; we saw it from the waters down below.
The pleasure of the wind in your face, and having the chance to savour that moment because you are not just concentrating on your strokes and speed and strength.
Also, it is a chance to practice.
I can understand why they chose to row back, i would have chosen that too.
Lifevests. Hate them with a passion when rowing. The only time i like them is when we take a break at the beach. Then i like the lifevests cos i can keep floating and not sink slowly.
Lifevests give you abrasions under your armpits. And before the previous abrasion gets to heal, you train again, and your abrasion gets wounded all over again. All that burning, and guess what? you're in the sea, my dear. Which means you have salt water constantly stinging the wound!
It's like wearing a new pair of heels, and getting blisters on your heels and toes. Plasters won't work cos they scrunge up after a while anyway. So you continue wearing your new heels till the blister breaks and you're limping in pain. Now, pour salt water on your wound.
Ouch? told you so.
Runners shave their head to decrease wind resistance. I think lifevests create too much resistance. =/
So once again, i can understand their choice.
Being cautious is not a choice. It's like parents not liking their kids ride motorcycles because it's dangerous. You can be as careful as you want, but if the cars around you are not careful and hit you, that's just it. You can control yourself but not your surroundings. You can be cautious while rowing, but that does not mean that the waters will return that favour. Mother Nature ultimately, is unpredictable.
At least they were enjoying themselves. That's the best form of comfort we give ourselves i guess.
They were wonderful people, who lead good lives, were good friends and children. People will look back on their memories, and remember them with a smile.
They brought pride and joy to their families, and those who knew them.
They have somewhere else they need to be for now..
Some things are not meant to be forever. Some people walk into our lives to teach us a little something, or maybe bring a little gift. And then they leave again. After you have dried your tears, live life as he would have had wanted you to. Be happy, for it is in being happy, and carrying on with life; almost like before, but missing a little something, that we remember him in.
For his teammates, each time you row, you know you will feel them with you once again.
This one is for the five young men, who were lost, but now found. I hope i don't sound sadistic, but at least you have company. Your memory lives on, in your family, friends, loved ones, and all those who have yet to meet you, but have gotten to know a little about you over the past 2 weeks.
I take the liberty to reproduce a poem that Mr Ronnie Koh wrote for the five young men.
Touched by their stories, he wrote them a poem, and sent it in to Straits Times. For some reason, i think that he has rowed before. For one who has never rowed, would not be able to paint a picture so intense and vivid. He captured the spirit of it all.
A Tribute to Team Singapore, Dragon Warriors
Dragon Warriors
Hail! Dragon warriors! Hail!
There is no need to weep,
For do you not know,
That dragon warriors never sleep!
Arise! Stand tall! Arise!
Raise your talons, hold'em high!
Turn your sorrows, brothers,
Into mighty war cries!
No longer in your sight,
Your brothers be,
True dragon warriors they've become,
For all to see.
Not for money,
Nor for fame,
But with my brothers,
Other dragons do we tame.
Our hearts beat,
Our hearts pound,
We live for the moment,
To hear the war drums sound.
Drive it hard!
Drive it deep!
Honour and glory!
Ours to keep!
Though we may part,
We never sleep,
Sound the war drums,
And we will meet.
Hail! Dragon warriors! Hail!
Dragonboaters, i know you can hear the drums he speaks of.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/313526/1/.html
"I felt like I was going to die"
Condolensces from ST readers
Coach recalls accident
Some words from some of their families
Bad instincts about the race
Saying goodbye; your condolensces
It was only when i read about the accident, that i finally knew how to spell
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