In Loving Memory of Woo Kwong Yang, aged 24







24/01/1980 - 12/11/2004


You left us too soon, it seemed.
There were so many things you've not done.
You were a great friend, an amazing brother, and a vital member in our family gatherings.
We miss you so much.

You promised to help me choose my first bike when I get my license
But you're gone too soon...
I've got your helmet here with me, so that you'll always be with me when I ride.
I'll bring you a picture of my first bike when I visit,
I'll build you a kawasaki ZX-11 model bike,
I'd do anything... If only you were here...

Why? Why did you have to leave us so soon?
Is it because that you're too perfect that there's nothing more for you to learn in life?
Why?
You were so young.. so full of hopes and dreams...
I can't help it. I can't stem the tears..

When dad called me that day, I thought he was joking. Then when I arrived at the hospital, I thought the entire family was joking. When I saw you the next day, I thought you were sleeping. I wanted to wake you up, to show the others that you were just kidding around, but the uncles wouldn't let me touch you. They made me go through the rites of washing your face, and everyone wept.

Why did they cry? They made me cry too..

Godmum told me that you had sudden breathing difficulties in your sleep. They couldn't do anything but watch you go... Why? You were so healthy and fit, then all of a sudden you....? It's all too sudden.

I still can't believe that you're gone.

Last night while I was in bed, I wished and wished and wished with all my might that this was all a dream. I wished that when I woke up tomorrow you'd come barging in and asking me if I wanted breakfast.

I still can't believe... .. ... ..

I miss you so much, dear brother. I wish there was something I could do to bring you back. I still believed it was all a joke until I saw all your friends weeping at your coffin. Then, it hit me hard, really hard.. .. .. you're really gone forever.

They said I was the only one who could carry your urn. The kids thought this a glory. I don't want this kind of glory. I don't want anymore glories in my life if only I could get you back. We still have so much to talk about, catch up on. You used to be able to lift me with just one hand. I couldn't even lift your hand if you didn't want me to. Now all it takes it just two hands to protect and a little bit of strength to hold you up lightly, I could walk a few blocks with you in my arms.

I carried you all throughout the rituals, and I couldn't help the tears streaming everytime I think of my big sturdy brother in my arms. I couldn't help the tears everytime I saw your picture behind the urn. I couldn't help the tears everytime I think of that night at bishan, where we chatted over beer and got to know each other all over again.

I want you back so bad.. I'm even willing to hear your ernie-like snicker again. To hear you yell "ma! I'm hungry!" after you wake up in the afternoon.

Now that you're gone, life still goes on for everyone. But kor, I believe one day we shall meet again. We shall meet up and have a nice long chat over a few beers and go cruising on our bikes. In the meantime, we'll just have to wait for that day to come. Or at least, I'm willing to wait.

I miss you.