On 8th July 09, Maria Hertogh died of leukemia. For those who is not familiar with Singaporean history, Maria Hertogh was a young Dutch child adopted by a Malay family during WW2, when her parents were POW of the Japanese. After WW2, her Dutch parents were released and set out to locate their daughter, who had grown and converted to Islam. A court case ensued, in which the British seal a nailed in their coffin when they were insensitive to the Malay's sentiment, thus causing the Maria Hertogh Riots. You could read up more on Maria Hertogh Riots if you like, but to cut the story short, the riots showed how important it is to respect the sentiments of other races and religion. I realise that in Singapore, I am priveledge that I grow up with Malays, Chinese and Indian friends. I don't feel awkward when I talk to people who are not of my race or nationality.
The story of 15 year old Andre Tang that came out on 15th July edition of the Newpaper is of great importance to me. He is my next-door neighbour. For those who didn't read it, Andre died due to an rare abnormal heart condition where he only had half-a-heart. I forgot what it was, but his doctor had detected it when he was still in his mother's womb, and the doctor only gave him 3 weeks to live. But his mother had refuse to abort him, and after he was born, 3 weeks became months, and months became years. Sad to say, he finally passed away on the 12th of July, 2009.Andre was a good, intelligent kid. His childish innocence never fail to amuse us. His laughter was infectious, and he was really a good kid. How many of us would pick up a stray animal and bring it home to feed and care for it. He was a great artist, and he manage to sold his artworks to buy his own laptop. When his sister quarrels, he would defuse it and when he notice that my father was at our living room and his sisters walk by our house without greeting my father, he would scold them. My family learn of his condition late last year, and how he would probably die.
And amid all this thing, he knew he was going to die soon. Its not an easy thing to know. While other kids think of what to study or what to play, he had to endure the pain of his sickness, while at the same time, write his own will and the challenges he face, we cannot pretend we understand. It was amazing how he took everything with a stride, sometimes joking about his fate, even his own death. But there was no doubt in my mind, that Andre still felt affected by it, and that the challenges he face were really tough, and not every grown man could take like as he did. We can say what we would do, but Andre had to really done it, and he did so admirably.
Andre taught me, that life is too short, and one must live life to the fullest. I realise now, that if I never go Brunei, I would live to regret the decision. I want to go, and I am looking forward to go. I have been having a heavy heart on whether to go, but now, there is no turning back. Andre's death taught me that life is just borrowed time. Use it wisely, but be prepared to dump the plans and ambitions to enjoy life sometimes.
Goodbye Andre Tang.
