SO LONG, MY DEAR PAK LONG........(PART 2 - FINAL)

In the month of October 2007 (last Raya) the doctor confirmed Pak Long has colon cancer Stage 4. The Final Stage. He has ONLY 6 MONTHS to live. Of course he doesn’t understand the real meaning of it and how short can 6 months be.

If that is true, Raya 2007 would be his last raya with us.

The last time I saw him on him on his two feet is during a kenduri my mother throw for me before my 2007 Hajj trip. In fact, he wasn’t that well. He has fever. He has to go back to Mak Pet’s house even before the kenduri over. He cried and cried before he left as if he knows that his last time came to my house and the last time he sees most of us.

During my Hajj stay in Medina and Mecca, I never stop praying for him. Who knows Allah has another plan for him.

I return home on from Mecca on January 4, 2008. Another “kenduri kesyukuran” but this time Pak Long did not attend as he is not well but at least I know he is still around.

Pak Long hospitalized again in January 2008. Mak Pet who has much earlier stop helping Mak Nyah in her canteen to take care of Pak Long stay in the hospital most of the time to accompany him. But Mak Nyah, Mak Semah, Pakcik Kaya, Busu and my Mum will also take turn to accompany take care of Pak Long when they have the opportunity or when the not so healthy Mak Pet need some rest. Sometime, few of my other cousins also take their turn. Never a day or nite passed without anybody by Pak Long side. The doctor and nurses in Hospital Besar Melaka are really amazed to what they witness. To that, they have this to say :-

“The have seen most people similar to Pak Long condition (they meant “less” and also sickly) will be left alone and neglected. The most their family will send them to retirement home or just leave them alone in the hospital. Pak Long is one of very few lucky people. Eventhough he has no parents and no family but he still have siblings and relative that love and care for him even in his very unfortunate condition.....”

I went back to Melaka on 25th February, 2008 (Friday) for my parents 44th Anniversary. In fact we have planned this celebration since March 2007. We visited Pak Long that evening. I saw him in his hospital bed. He cried again when I “salam” him. He looked weak and fragile.

Since I have paid for the bungalow, my family have no choice but to go ahead with the celebration the next day (February 26th, 2008) only to pray nothing would happen to him during that weekend. Actually we are not into it 100% due to Pak Long condition, we have no choice as not to waste the money I have paid in advance. The consolation to our decision is only one thing - make our parents happy is also a good thing to do. It is consider “ibadah”.

Alhamdulillah, everything went well and nothing happened and no sad event.

Pak Long discharged from hospital about two weeks later. He spent his last few weeks in Mak Pet’s house. He still has no complaints or grievances over his deterioting condition. The most he says “sakit…..” when ever his siblings and relative visited him.

Date : March 7, 2008. Time : 4.15 a.m. Mak Pet’s woke up when Pak Long call her name. Pak Long says he want to sleep on the floor. In fact, of late often he asked to be allowed to sleep on the floor but Mak Pet refused to let him because the floor is cold. She doesn’t know why she has agreed to fulfill his wish that morning. She placed a mat and moved Pak Long from his bed onto the mat. He looks happy.

5.30 a.m. Mak Pet woke up again to go to toilet. She looks at Pak Long. He is sleeping soundly. As she comes out, she heard Azan Subuh. She walks toward Pak Long to ask whether Pak Long wants anything. Pak Long……she called. Quiet. Again, Pak Long…... Still quiet. She shook his body. No movement. Mak Pet rush to one of the bedroom to ask for help from one of his daughter. They both rush to Pak Long and the daughter confirmed the loss.

Pak Long died peacefully in his sleep. He has just left to join the people who has left earlier than him and us. More importantly, he left us to return to The Ultimate Creator and The Ultimate Owner of The Universe, Allah S.W.T. as he has promise when Allah created him and all of us.

I witnessed the “kafan” ritual. Pak Long face looks so serene as if he is sleeping. Deep sleep…..

Before Pak Long’s body leave the house for good, we have the last opportunity to kiss him good bye. One very sad moment that I would remember for a very very long time……..My turn came and I kiss him on his forehead also his right and left cheek. Good bye, my dear Pak Long. May Allah bless you and place you under His Ultimate Protection.

Pak Long’s body were brought to Masjid Pengkalan Rama in a Jenazah Van for “Solat Jenazah” after they performed the Solat Jumaat. Very rare I see Solat Jenazah performed by that many people but Pak Long’s were really blessed. Just imagine, he passed away on Friday (Penghulu Segala Hari) and his solat jenazah were performed by at least 250 peoples. Obviously, he is leading to his good days ahead…….Alhamdulillah

Immediately after the Solat Jenazah, Pak Long’s body were carried to Jalan Durian Daun. His grave is ready for him. We lowered his body into his “liang lahat” and in 10 minutes the last ritual of the for “Fardhu Kifayah” is done. “Talkin” is read by Imam Baba.

It came to my mine that no matter how no matter what no matter who you are no matter how much money you have you will also ended up alone in your grave. Only your doing will determine what kind of “living” you have in your own grave.

One by one left the graveyard. We are among the last few to leave. Pak Long is no longer with us as he is now in a place called "Alam Barzakh". But for sure he will be remembered forever. Even though I am very sad and cannot stop weeping, I believe he is in would have a better "live" to compare to what he had all his lifetime. He is in good "Hand".

Just a little note to my blog reader – My cousin brother, Reza’s wedding reception on March 16, 2008 was the first happy event we had since Pak Long left us for good that Friday, March 7, 2008. It was only 9 days away after our loss but we have no choice as all arrangements are done and the cards are sent out. Mak Nyah, Mak Pet and me were so sad until we cried and hugging each other during the wedding. During his life time, he likes attending wedding, kenduri, hari raya open house but his presence is normally not important and hardly noticed by many. But strange now as his absence is noticeable and felt by almost everyone in the family. We know somebody is missing. The missing person is not important but he is just a decoration which most people needs. But, nobody could fill the void he has left (I really wonder given a choice or opportunity, is there anybody or any of us want to be “like him” or rather fit enough to be him?).

Memories about Pak Long and his many funny character will stay and last forever.

Al-Fatehah to Pak Long and Semoga Allah Mencucuri Rahmat Ke Atas Rohnya. Amin