Endoh’s Dungeon

Yes, everybody knows the story by now. It shocked not only Lo Hwei Yen’s family but along with their painful loss, it also stopped the hearts of many Singaporeans as her death was confirmed. The nation has poured out utmost sympathies to Miss Lo’s family and expressed the anger towards this very terror act carried out in Mumbai. Perhaps it was due to the fact that she was the first direct Singapore fatality in recent years of terrorism since September 11.

I do not know Hwei Yen, the emotions just got the better of me as I read of the impressions she had left in the hearts of her family, friends and colleagues. Maybe some of you have passed by her on the streets, maybe she was that girl who sat on the next table when you dined. At that point, you wouldn’t have thought much of it. Admittedly, I wouldn’t too. But, who would have thought that this very person would be gone in that split second?

Terrorism is real, that I know. With my kind of job history, I think I know it better than my average peers around me. While most talks lingered around the expression of hatred towards whoever launched this cruel attack, what struck me was something deeper. It had nothing to do with terrorism, it had nothing to do with guns and violence. Just sheer love and care.

So many friends have complained about their partners, if only they felt what Michael Puhaindran (Ms Lo’s husband) is feeling now. It doesn’t just stop at our spouses, but also people whom we know are close to our hearts. In most cases, we don’t even want to think of how short our lives can be despite all the funerals we have attended. Not until the demise of Hwei Yen sank deep into our hearts.

The flow of praises for her from her family and friends, I am sure these words will never be enough to sum it up for her. If I am allowed (to sum up what I have been reading about her personality), she was someone “bigger than life”. The kind of influence and joy she had given to people around her, is undeniable.

Now, her story and fate made me ponder and re-look if we have neglected people around us. I can’t say it any better, but I will try. Let’s just say, such is the fragility of life we’re gone in a split second. Whatever regrets and disappointments we have, everything goes poof like a little bubble of smoke into the sky.The truth is, most of us don’t treasure enough.

Singaporeans have learn a big lesson out of this unfortunate loss, and it is my hope that everyone can start cherishing people around us. All I can do now, is guessing what’s on Mr Puhaindran’s mind. Of all people, why her? Why didn’t God give them more time, when they got hitched only last year? Why was she taken away from him when they barely started the next stage of their life together in bliss?

What truly triggered me to think this far and this deep, was learning how she was killed in total cold-bloodedness - execution style. If I had that opportunity to send a message to Mr Puhaindran and his family, this is what I would most likely convey.

All of us share your grief and your loss of such a wonderful wife and family member. It is futile for anyone to comfort you by asking you to move on. This is such a painful loss, that none of us will be able to feel what you feel. This torment is unimaginable.

But, Hwei Yen’s plight has touched the hearts of Singaporeans. Many of which, are strangers. Not only has it taught some of us to continue to be vigilant against terrorism, but it has once again reminded all of us that a lifetime is only this long. Treasure everyone and all that we have today, for we do not know what’s coming our way tomorrow.

May she rest in peace, in God’s loving home, for eternity.

I bear no anger towards the dead terrorists. I am mocking them at where they are now, for they found no virgins waiting for them. I am laughing at their stupidity, to find out how their lives ended as villians forever while their many victims are hailed as inspirational characters. And hence, the history book will be written that way it shalt be.

The even better part is… the terrorists can’t do anything to change it. Villians - you shall be and will be forever.