The morning started on a sad note...

I've never posted a blog so early in the morning. Today, I guess, is an exception. Being woken up at around 0545hrs this morning by a phonecall. Saw the name 'Sulaiman' flashing on my phone. Sulaiman was supposed to pick me up this morning at around 0830hrs to go to Home Team Academy (HTA) for our final reservist session. My first thoughts was, if he's calling me so early in the morning....maybe he wants me to go to HTA by myself. Answered the phone and to my surprise, I was greeted by a crying female voice. Quickly it got my attention. It was Sulaiman's wife. I have never met his wife in person....and I just could sense something was really wrong. After a moment's pause, she informed me that Sulaiman had just passed away moments ago. Time stood still....I did not know how to react. It was a shock.. Allahyarham Sulaiman's wife explained that she thought of informing me as I was Allahyarham's last point of contact. Allahyarham was having breathing problems at 0400hrs. Ambulance was activated to convey him to hospital. He passed away at the hospital soon after. Anyway, I reassured her I will assist her and family the best I can. I was very sure that whatever I said at the moment, would not in any way appease her grief. I remember Allahyarham Sulaiman as a warm and jovial person. Always cracking jokes and a great person to talk to. A wonderful family man...life outside work was reserved only for his beloved wife and children. I met Allahyarham Sulaiman in 2004, working in a place called Tankstore located at Pulau Busing. Assigned to his shift team, he was my assistant supervisor at that time. We were close at work. But soon I left Tankstore for greener pastures and he did left soon after. But we remained in contact periodically. And at last we met during the present Reservist stint. He recently shifted house from Tampines to Jurong West, just opposite where I'm staying. I donno how to feel at this point of time. This morning had started on a really sad note. Could not return to sleep after receiving this unfortunate news. Supposed to be going to work with Allahyarham this morning. it wasn't to be.... PS: If you are reading this, do offer your Al-Fateha to the great Nabi Muhammad S.A.W. and to Allahyarham Sulaiman. Thank you.