My cousin was driving me to my office this afternoon, but no more than a few meter drive, he abruptly stopped the car, opened his window, and shouted to the security guard of the housing complex who was sitting by the door of the surveillance post.
"What's wrong with him?" said my cousin, pointing to the man who was lying in front of the security guard. He was a driver for the folks who lived across my parents' house. His eyes were shut while receiving a head massage from the security guard.
"He's sick," said the masseur. I was surprised because at first I thought he slept from having received such a pleasant massage. But at second glance, he looked pale and seemed to contain his pain.
"You should inform his boss that he's sick," my cousin offered some advice, hoping that that driver could get a more proper help immediately. He then continued driving for fear of blocking the street since he stopped the car in the middle of it. He was driving me to my office, anyway, and I was already very late.
It was a different working routine today. I had to take care of my kids first before taking them to my parents for "temporary daycare service" (that would be the most proper terms, ha-ha) and then leaving for work. Normally I trust a nanny to take care of my kids, especially the youngest who's almost two this year. Today I can't because she's taking her Lebaran (Eid) break to go back to her home town. There's actually one helper at home but it feels not right to weigh all the house chores AND my child caring to her to do all by herself.
Two hours later, I called my mom about an errand she wanted me to do on the way to my office.
"Go pick it up at my office. I've told my staff to prepare the stuffs for you to bring," said my mom in a hurried voice. "I can't talk for long, I had to go the neighbor across the house. Someone died."
"Huh? Who?" I implored.
"Pak XXX."
"Who?" I asked again to clarify if she was joking because the name of the dead person is the same with my dad's.
"Pak XXX, the driver of the neighbor across the house. Okay, I got to go now," and she hung up.
I was literally shocked. I honestly disregarded the entire incident this afternoon, thinking that it was probably a minor illness. Who knew that it was the last time I saw him alive...
I shuddered thinking about it. You really cannot undermine the value of time. Who knows if you'll still be able to see the sun rise or set tomorrow.
Therefore, in the spirit of Eid festivity which is still in the air, I humbly hope that Allah will allow us to encounter the next holy month of Ramadan. Taqabalallahu minna wa minkum, shiyamana wa shiyamakum (may Allah receive your ibadah during the month of Ramadan and mine, as well as your fasting and mine).
Happy Eid Mubarak, everyone (who celebrates it), and value your time better!
