staring at the body of my uncle this evening invoked in me a sudden rush of memories of how he was like when he was still alive. somehow, my mind refused to reconcile the image of him with the memory of him that existed. it all seemed surreal. i recalled memories of him when i was young. how he brought my cousin and i out for excursions at the reservoirs. we would go trekking and go in search of unusual sights. i remembered how he brought us to this place when spring water was flowing..and we washed our faces there. another time, he challenged us to balance ourselves on this pipe and cross the drain. i remembered clearly how it has just rained, and water was gushing by fiercely. he stood on the other end, with a foot on the pipe and urged my cousin and i to bravely walk across. as i balanced myself precariously, i was afraid, but yet seeing his hand extending out to us, and encouraging us to be brave, i walked across. he was intelligent and knowledgable and extended a thirst for knowledge and an inquiring mind to his children. this was what my cousin confided that she would miss this aspect of her dad dearly. he taught her alot and taught her to question. he was humble and simple. he was affable and i remembered him teasing me during a chinese new yr gathering a few yrs ago. what a difference a few years made. the uncle who was healthy and nice..became just a lifeless body. what a waste...for someone who worked hard and yet never had a chance to enjoy the fruits of his labour, i am very much saddened. his death has taught me a lesson and the phrase ' always save for a rainy day' seems so much realistic at this point in time. i would never forget his determination and his strength in fighting for survival even when everyone around him gave up.