Sudden Departures.

When someone whom you know dies, it is actually an indirect call from them (the deceased) or rather an announcement to all friends and relatives to gather together at their wakes lasting usually from three to five days,  depending on their race and individual religions, most of whom are Christians and Buddhists, saying goodbyes in so many different ways, such as having buffets, lunches, dinners and most important lengthy prayers without having to send out invitations to inform all about the details of locations, dates, times, and performances by Buddhist monks, priests, friends and relatives. There are always Master of ceremonies and all those who will give eulogies and tell interesting good life stories about them when they were still alive. Speakers come from all walks of life and they speak freely without any rehearsals whatsoever. At these wakes, we find ready and helpful volunteers to assist in waiting, ushering and standing guards over the wake sites. It is usually an all 'of a sudden' but properly managed and well organised solemn functions with everyone in one way or another, willingly and wanting to participate to show their respects and to bid their final goodbyes.

Since last Wednesday, 7th March, I have been attending wakes, the first one belongs to a close friend and cabbie colleague whose mother passed away and the funeral held on saturday, and the present is my beloved Auntie, who passed away also on the same Saturday, sadly the youngest sister of my late father and also last in line in their generation.

Wakes, sad and solemn as they may be are inevitable. Unlike festivities with fixed dates, they always come suddenly. Similar in style to customary happy birthdays, festivals and annual gatherings, a time when we meet again with friends and relatives, re-uniting and getting to know each other's lives' journeys and meeting new additions to families. The only difference is that in wakes, no one wants to look forward to them.

Sometimes, lapses in putting up my new posts are because of these unforeseen circumstances, but anytime whenever I have the opportunity, I will not fail to do so. Always stay tuned, God Bless.