Place That I Needn't Welcome

I hated coming here yet I had no choice but to show up. The last time I was here, it was an unpleasant memory.

The irony was the sign that greeted me. It reads: Selamat Datang ke Wad AG. Selamat Datang! Do you think I like to be here? And everybody else for that matter. You do not have to welcome me here. Hospital is not a place I really like to visit. It is a greeting used in the wrong place. Totally unnecessary I think.

I was there to see my father and he was warded for the last few weeks. His condition had improved compared to the weeks before. His face was not as pale before but his knee was painful. He limped and moved slowly. Anyway, I was glad to see the progress he made.

Well, one good thing was that he was well taken care of here. The conditions of the ward are not bad at all - well-ventilated, well-lit, proper facilities and the staff are friendly. It was obvious that father missed home but he could not rush. He wanted to talk to someone and I am glad that I was there. I had the time so I kept him company. I accompanied him to the X-ray room. Took this photo from his back while he was waiting for his turn. Noticed that his shoulder had shrunken. He used to have broad shoulder.

I left after 2 1/2 hours. Mum was waiting for me at home.

Not a place I like to visit. I was wondering how long they are keeping my father here. That day was 21 June 2009.

He was discharged on 25 June 2009. I am sure he was happy finally at home. He missed home.

Thank You Michael Jackson, For The Sweet Memories

There isn't much that I can do for you so I dedicate this song - Smile - in my blog to you.

SMILE

By Nat King Cole

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though its breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

Thats the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

Thats the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

I remember (I read it somewhere) that Smile is one of the Michael Jackson's favourite songs. This track was included and covered by him in one of his albums (of which I can't remember now) and the melody stayed with me up until today. Needless to say, it has become one of my favourite songs too.

I thought you did not matter to me until I came to know about your passing from the news today. Well, I was shocked, a bit but very quickly I came out of it. That's just part of life isn't it. Funny it may sound to you but I had somehow predicted your death. For the last few years, whenever I come across your news I paid close attention. There was this feeling that "It's about time". No, I wasn't cursing you but... I was just feeling something wasn't right or more precisely, something bad was going to happen to you. Then I heard the news this morning...

Despite all the bad things that I heard about you over the years, I must say that your music has brought so much pleasure, happiness, and memorable moments in the early part and certain points of my life.

I remembered when I was knee-high and at that time, the word 'music' has no meaning to me. I got very excited seeing my brothers moonwalking across the hall, squealing, moving around with hands and body to the music. They were trying to imitate your moves. As a small child, it was exciting for me to watch my brothers did those moves and they did it sooooo often and so funny. I giggled and laughed while watching that. Sooner after that, I know the name of the music - Billy Jean.

Not so long after that, Thriller came and raided the airwave and followed by Beat it. These music did not fail to amuse me at my tender age. Whenever the beat came on, I would turn to my brother and they would immediately become 'Michael Jackson'. These are my memories of your music, Michael.

Your music created so much of excitements in the early part of my life. It was fun, it was amusing, it came to me with positive feelings and brought so much smiles to me. Everything about you was exciting! Did I mention that the whole Kampung was crazy about you too? Malay, India or Chinese. Everybody just loved your music.

I know that you were planning to make a come back. But you can't do that now. Just like the song that you sang - Gone too soon - You were gone, too soon.

GONE TOO SOON

By Micheal Jackson

Like A Comet

Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky

Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow

Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye

Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly

And Splendidly Bright

Here One Day

Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight

On A Cloudy Afternoon

Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle

Built Upon A Sandy Beach

Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower

That Is Just Beyond Your Reach

Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight

Here One Day

Gone One Night

Like A Sunset

Dying With The Rising Of The Moon

Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

May you rest in peace and find your Neverland. Thank you so much for your music.

Old Photos

I was browsing through some old photos in my laptop out of the blue and I come across these photos that I like so much. They were taken in November 2006 using Sony Ericsson K800i and at that point of time when I was working in Bahrain.

As I was looking at the photos, they gave me nostalgic feeling as if I am back at that time and at the place at the exact same spots taking the photos - Al Fateh Fort.

The magic of photo - it connects you and suddenly I am feeling old...

I just love the last one!