At first i was hesitant if i should invite Smelk (to hike) with us in Puchong (circa 2018/9). Only a year earlier i had sent him to the hospital (he had suffered a stroke) and i didn't want to risk another incident with him in the middle of the forest.)
But I'm so glad i did.He was like duck to water. Not only was he able to finish the hike, but being surrounded by nature I cld see it did 'something' for him. It rejuvenated his mind /soul. Not surprising that he would soon become a regular hiker with us. In time to come he got stronger and would accompany me as we explored the deeper areas (into some restricted zones, waterfalls etc).
Also, I enjoyed his quiet company.
Most of all i appreciated that he shared a deep love for nature (not just hiking as an exercise ) but that he really truly enjoyed the energies of the forest. In that sense we were a kindred spirit. So it's not surprising one day i found him with a plastic bag, collecting the trash inconsiderate hikers would leave behind (on the trails). He was not just a 'taker' only (consumer mentality) , but a 'giver' doing his bit in keeping the forest pristine; he took ownership of that hill forest. That pretty much characterised Chin, even though he didn't hv much material goods to his name, but he was a genuine giver, of his time, of his friendship, his knowledge and yes when he had an extra buck, he'd offer to pay your drink too.
(no he didn't drink alcohol, just teh si kurang manis )
Towards the last year, his knees would act up and he limited his forays. The vaccine also adversely affected him (he told me) as he experienced tremors in his hands, and it showed in his gait.
I was always hoping he would get better and resume our hikes together, but that was not meant to be as his health deteriorated. Only when we saw his rapid loss of weight did we suspect it was something more sinister (you would never suspect it from his conversations/ whatsapp. The few of us who followed up with him, we too never really got a straight answer from him what was actually wrong in his body. Later i only heard from another that it was prostate cancer, but i nvr did hear it from him.
He lived 'one day at a time' and unwilling to bother those around him, (even though many times we offered) and that was how it seemed till the very end.
.
.
. 😔
Goodbye Chin. (aka Smelk).. I will miss you.
Chin made many friends on the trail and strike conversations easily with strangers. And he was always the charming gentleman with the ladies .
Towards the last year, his knees would act up and he limited his forays. The vaccine also adversely affected him (he told me) as he experienced tremors in his hands, and it showed in his gait.
I was always hoping he would get better and resume our hikes together, but that was not meant to be as his health deteriorated. Only when we saw his rapid loss of weight did we suspect it was something more sinister (you would never suspect it from his conversations/ whatsapp. The few of us who followed up with him, we too never really got a straight answer from him what was actually wrong in his body. Later i only heard from another that it was prostate cancer, but i nvr did hear it from him.
He lived 'one day at a time' and unwilling to bother those around him, (even though many times we offered) and that was how it seemed till the very end.
.
.
. 😔
Goodbye Chin. (aka Smelk).. I will miss you.
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