The B'fast Club

So after almost a year and half of hiking alone, i delved into the idea of asking some of my ex school mates (La Salleans) if they would be interested to 'take a hike' enjoying Bukit wawasan. Maybe it was the "nature pictures" I sometimes posted on our Lspj 78 chat group (got to show them off somewhere right?) but  when i put out an invitation,  i was quite surprised to have a few names. 

There were just 5 of us in the beginning and wondered if the interest would continue after complaints of aches and pains in the days following. But after a somewhat shaky start, the group has begun to meet weekly. We called the group "The B'fast Club" mainly because after the hike, we always have our morning fill at a charming eatery at the foothill called KKB (Kopitiam Kaki Bukit) that serves up the stengah masak eggs, butter /kaya toast, local coffee, plus other delights.

The breakfast time are usually filled with the usual light banter. Meanwhile, in about 3-4 months, my tribe has steadily grown to 7-8 regulars. The enthusiasm for a healthy dose of forest bathing, weekly exercise, and social interaction (beyond mindless whatsapp chatter) has taken a hold. 

Now the B’fast club has evolved into  an opportunity to  catch up on some of our individual life journeys (as or when we are comfortable to share). In other words, it’s a rare opportunity to rekindle past school boy acquaintances into adult friendships.

Well past the half century mark, i think the concept of  meaningful relationships will become more important as we face the 2nd half of our lives. Some experts seem to suggest that longevity requires relationships that will add years and quality to our lives. And   'friends' become a rare commodity as we grow older, become more set in our ways and life styles. Aside from just the immediate family (that may or may not be nourishing) few really foster meaningful friendships. 

Last week when one of guys related his story about  childhood challenges enduring a parents’ messy divorce (when he was just 10)  after a hardworking doting mother fell into the clutches of gambling, a broken up family and children (6) largely left to fend for themselves. I knew nothing of his life in school, but suddenly I had a deep appreciation of the man before me. He told it matter of fact, none of that “feel sorry for me” vibe, and only once did some emotion surfaced. I couldn’t be prouder of him. Although far from perfect home environment, mine was nothing compared to the sorry details shared by him. I could not have imagined how it must have been for him while the rest of us were preoccupied with movies, games, girls .. well you get the picture.

“I see you” was the profound line uttered by the blue heroine in Avatar when looking deep into the soul of the hero.  It takes a hearing heart to realize we are often more than the sum total of all our experiences we endure, good and bad.

Well, here’s to many better days ahead and more meaningful hikes together.

Climb that hill.

Thanks for reading. Please leave any comments below. I love to hear your thoughts.