Ginseng

It's leaving a bitter after taste. I hated having to fast. I hated not being able to light up, especially when there's a pack of cigis right in front of me. I hate not being able to drink when I am so used to drinking at least 6 litres of water a day. I abhor all these and more during the fasting month.

But now, as it comes to a close, I will miss more that I dislike. The constant encouragement from Pak Ali, how sweet water tastes when it enters your mouth after more than 14 hours of fast. How great food taste no matter how bland it may seem. How well the body can digest all the foods faster... These are the things that I would miss. More importantly, it showed me how I conduct myself during this month.

I am ashamed that in this envrionment, I did not do as well as I should. Could'ves & would'ves don't matter. It is what is that counts. But for all the experiences and friends that I made under these circumstances, my harvest is bountiful. Yusri, Praveen seemed to push me in their soft way. Pak Ali always welcomed me with a huge hug. Su was always careful with her choice of words. And more and more people gave way and gave in to my temper. Strangers even. For that, I am grateful.

I will always remember something I read... somewhere...

"In these times, we have shared everything. We have shared the hardships and the pain. We have shared our blood and our victories. We have shared our sorrow and our disappoints as we have celebrated our victories. This thing that we share can only be experienced in combat. He who sheds his blood with me today, shall be my brother. For we are a band of brothers."

Yes, I will remember you too. Those who have treated me with respect and alloted me patience though I did not deserve it. Those who saw the pontential in me when I could see none. Those who used words of hope and encouragement to push me on.