Last weekend was a sad one for me.

At around 6 pm on Saturday, I received a message from a friend telling me some bad news.

My very good friend since primary school (4th grader if you’re in the States) passed away - suspected of heart attack, while enjoying his company’s family day at the beach. This place is like 8 hours drive from where he lives.

So, I rushed back to my hometown and reached there at 1 am in the morning, hoping that I would get a glimpse of him for the last time.

The funeral was over at around 9pm on Sunday.

It really was a gloomy weekend for me.

I was sad until I almost cried.

Shaharudin Shamsudin (I called him ‘Mie’) was a friend whom I would cherish his friendship until I die. He was a good friend who did not ask for anything when it comes to friendship. He was a real friend whom I would be proud to say that he was my friend - no matter what.

Now that he is gone, I would really miss the great times we had together.

I’m still sad and my eyes are filled with tears at the time I’m writing this to you.

That’s how much I treasure this friendship.

Look around you today. Identify the people who you love and cherish and let them know they have a place in your heart and that you will always be there for them.

You will never know when it would be the last time they’ll be with you again.

Mie… you were always a good friend of mine, and I thank you for this friendship.

Good bye!

[please send some prayers for my friend and his family during this hard time]