A Season for Reunions

The author of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 aptly describes the season in life: For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

October 2022 will be remembered as a special season of reunions. It was a time when many who had migrated overseas chose to return to their homeland, rekindling old ties and reviving cherished memories.

On 6 October 2022, we gathered to celebrate a joyful reunion of classmates from Lok Yuk School KK, Class of 1967/1969. It was a nostalgic moment that brought back echoes of our youthful days spent together in the classrooms and corridors of our beloved school (Read here).

Just a few days later, on 10 October 2022, another heartwarming gathering took place - this time among a group of badminton buddies from the 1980s. We came together over food, laughter, and storytelling, exchanging memories and celebrating the enduring bonds of friendship. The event was filled with joy as we caught up on more than thirty years of life’s journeys, shared stories of career paths and family milestones, and gave thanks for the gift of good health.

This particular reunion on 10 October was organized to mark the long-awaited return of one of our own, Vun Kai, who had migrated to Vancouver back in 1992 - exactly 30 years ago. Although he had hoped to return earlier, the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting global travel restrictions forced him to postpone his trip. His eventual return added a layer of meaning and emotion to the gathering, reminding us how precious time and friendship truly are.

Breakfast at Lok Tien Dim Sum

Before returning to Kota Kinabalu, Vun Kai specifically requested that I organize a reunion of all surviving members of our beloved badminton gang - those who played actively during the 1980s and continued well into the early 2000s. Out of the original eleven members, eight of us managed to gather for this long-awaited occasion. Sadly, three dear friends were no longer with us, having completed their earthly journey. 

Peter Lee was the first to leave us, passing away in March 2019 (Read here). Earlier this year in March, John Wan also departed (Read here). Most recently, we lost Nyuk Kiong on 6 July, just over three months before the reunion (Read here). Their absence was deeply felt, and as we reminisced, it was as if their presence lingered quietly among us - in the stories, the laughter, and the unspoken memories.

Among us, it is nothing short of remarkable that Shau Kee, now 78 years old, continues to play badminton twice a week - a testament to his enduring passion and enviable fitness. Meanwhile, Joseph Wong and Shau Lam have taken to golf, and I have embraced cycling since late 2017.

Our reunion lasted over two and a half hours, filled with animated conversation, laughter, and the delicious Dim Sum. As always, the stories flowed - some hilarious, others deeply poignant. Among the most unforgettable was Shau Lam’s dramatic recollection of his recent brushes with mortality. He “boasted” with his signature humor that he had been rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in KK by ambulance twice, and once more in Perth while visiting his children in Australia.

He recounted his latest health scare, during which he was hospitalized and witnessed two fellow patients in neighboring beds passed away within just two days. Overwhelmed by illness, work stress, and the proximity of death, he feared he wouldn’t make it out alive. In his desperation, he pleaded with God to spare him - asking for just two more years to settle his affairs. “And how long has it been since that prayer?” someone asked. With a grin, he replied, “Only a month!” Judging by his cheerful demeanor and infectious sense of humor, we’re convinced he’ll get far more than the two years he asked for. Shau Lam remains the life of any “yum cha” gathering - a true joker and a joy to be around.

As we parted ways, there was a shared, unspoken hope that we would meet again. Yet, we also know the future is never in our hands. All we can do is cherish these moments - full of warmth, friendship, and the gift of still being able to gather.