Some things just don't go away

It's funny how some things just linger on your mind though weeks, months and years may have passed. And, I am talking about the departure of my pet dogs - Fred, Goofy, Snowy and Rabbit. Somehow time and time again images of them appear before you mind, and fondly everyone at home would talk about what they would do, or how they would have reacted and so on and so forth. Perhaps it's because they left a legacy...a very lovable and adorable son Richie who now carries on providing our home with the fond memories.

Indeed, I mention pets but also the passing of our loved ones, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and even friends too leave fond memories. I then asked myself how will I be remembered after my life. Maybe some may remember me for my humour, some for my community work and others for the weeks they spent attending my classes. But looking back as I posed myself this question, I realised that perhaps I may not have done enough in my lifetime to be remembered?

Though who knew me when I was young may recall my days of playing the guitar and house parties. In adulthood others may recall my years as a journalist, covering events in and around Singapore and the region. Others who met me in my latter life may know me as their lecturer if they attended my classes. And, yet others with whom I spent hours at the community work may know the the other side of me. My family will of course remember me in another context, someone fussy, demanding, always making sure that things are all in order. But I think many may say: "Oh, he's a good story teller and we always like to hear him".

See, it is interesting to sit back and reflect on what you've done and how will you be remembered. Well, until that day comes...there'll still be some more stories to tell.

Alas the year is slowly creeping away...

It's been a few months since my last post and I realized that the months are gradually creeping away and before we know it another new year will descend on us. I must say the year so far has been filled with turbulence, not just for me but I'm sure for many people too. Personally, yes it has been a year of changes and a year of reckoning in some respects, but nothing that is insurmountable. Indeed I've been giving much thought what I would like to do with my time if I have some to spare.  I have harboured thoughts of pursuing another degree or to look for something more satisfying that I can leave as a legacy to my time on this good earth. No, don't get me wrong. I am but a little being and am in no position to change this world but I feel perhaps I can do in my own little way a contribution or two to make it a better place for everyone.

I love listening to the birds chirping, looking at the horizon while standing or looking across an open undulating land from a hilltop. I love watching the waves rushing up the shores, or even when they are lashing at the breakwater. Perhaps there's a bias towards nature in mind though this didn't take centrestage in my life all these years. Why then do I feel this way in the latter part of my life? I even attended a talk by Dr Jane Goodall, the primatologist, and hear her sharing on preservation of wild life and the need to keep the earth from being gobbled up by buildings, roads and other structures that require the uprooting of trees and shrubs.

Meantime I was distracted by a call asking me to book tickets to Elton John's concert. Indeed that is my other interest - music. Not an accomplished musician but I do love much for they are the tracks that help transport my mind to the days of yesteryears where things were much simpler and less complicated. It's time, so I am reminded, for me to log into my Youtube and enjoy some old music.