Rest in Peace
Tuesday, 18. July 2006, 22:03:40
Countdown has started - in eight days we will be in Japan. I should be feeling happy, but something significant happened today that would overshadow whatever happen running up to it.
An ex-colleague of mine died of cancer yesterday. I don't know her exact age, but probably around 50. The news was so out-of-blue, and when I opened the mail from a friend telling me that, my mind rejected what was written on. I just couldn't and cannot believe it!
She was a lot senior than I am, and for the 4 years or so we worked in the same building (for different companies in the same group, we used to go out for lunch, chatted on the way home on a train and all. As I left work for having kids, we went for the separate path, but we got in touch after years, through a mutual friend when I started working again in London.
I remember her as a person with strong and straight-forward character with a very sharp tongue. She was always very positive, objective, criticised people a lot but laughed about hardships. She was also a character easily misunderstood, or feared, but once you got to know he you would see boldness of her speech was in fact masking her gentle soul. She used to tease me saying a child was bringing up children, which was quite right at times as I didn't know anything about bringing up children.
The last time I saw her was about 14 months ago. It was a chance meeting at a train station, and she was telling me a rosy story of retiring in Croatia... and it seems it was the last place she spend her holiday, as she died in her husband's arms after she came back from the holiday...
At the time of writing this, her face flashes in front of me, and she is smiling....laughing very loudly. Though I can even hear her melodic laugh, but I cannot recall her whinging or depressed face. Probably her husband was the only person to whom she showed her weakness.
I heard the cause of her death was stomach cancer. I only wish I had contacted her... She is leaving her husband and her sister. RIP, Noriko. I secretly admired your strength.
Tomorrow's Wayby Yui
*Thanks Slobolam for the video.
An ex-colleague of mine died of cancer yesterday. I don't know her exact age, but probably around 50. The news was so out-of-blue, and when I opened the mail from a friend telling me that, my mind rejected what was written on. I just couldn't and cannot believe it!
She was a lot senior than I am, and for the 4 years or so we worked in the same building (for different companies in the same group, we used to go out for lunch, chatted on the way home on a train and all. As I left work for having kids, we went for the separate path, but we got in touch after years, through a mutual friend when I started working again in London.
I remember her as a person with strong and straight-forward character with a very sharp tongue. She was always very positive, objective, criticised people a lot but laughed about hardships. She was also a character easily misunderstood, or feared, but once you got to know he you would see boldness of her speech was in fact masking her gentle soul. She used to tease me saying a child was bringing up children, which was quite right at times as I didn't know anything about bringing up children.
The last time I saw her was about 14 months ago. It was a chance meeting at a train station, and she was telling me a rosy story of retiring in Croatia... and it seems it was the last place she spend her holiday, as she died in her husband's arms after she came back from the holiday...
At the time of writing this, her face flashes in front of me, and she is smiling....laughing very loudly. Though I can even hear her melodic laugh, but I cannot recall her whinging or depressed face. Probably her husband was the only person to whom she showed her weakness.
I heard the cause of her death was stomach cancer. I only wish I had contacted her... She is leaving her husband and her sister. RIP, Noriko. I secretly admired your strength.
Tomorrow's Wayby Yui
*Thanks Slobolam for the video.
WIDGETIZE
Sarah # 19. July 2006, 00:15
ALLY G. # 19. July 2006, 09:56
I am sorry too... it's not easy to understand, sometimes... why must go the best people first...
But I agree with Sarah: ...but happy that you see her as smiling... and I am sure she is smiling down on all of her loved ones.
That is our life.
Elke
Aya # 20. July 2006, 14:30
The separation always come suddenly,so I should spend each day to the full.
You will come to Japan soon?That's great!
Where will you stay?Yamanashi?
I hope you will enjoy Onsen !!ゆっくり、休んでくださいね。
Hiro # 20. July 2006, 21:24
Thank you for nice comments. Although death is inevitable, 50 is a bit too early. Her death made me think about life in general. Talking to people who knew her, I got the impression that so many people had misunderstood her because of her shyness as well as agressive (competitive) nature. It's really sad, I couldn't help but interrupt, to correct the misunderstandings and all.
Aya,
どうもありがとう！おんせん大好きです。
I am nearly dying of heat! Yesterday the temperature soared to 36 degrees (just about my body temperature). I need air conditioner!
I will be staying with my parents in Tokyo. Will be traveling to the North somewhere.
Marcus # 20. July 2006, 22:24
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. It's good that you saw her smiling and laughing when you imagined her. You can always remember those times that you had with your friend.
Are you guys goin back to Japan for good, or just a visit? Have a good time and bring us back pics.
Regards,
Marcus
hungryghost # 21. July 2006, 15:50
sorry to hear about your loss as well...it's nice to hear that you remember her as a laughing and happy person. That's probably the best epitath for a friend when all is said and done.
good luck for the trip to Japan...we look forward to pictures!!
take care
hungry
yooperprof # 21. July 2006, 19:15
My condolences on the occasion of this unexpected news. I'm glad you had a chance meeting with her - those are always blessings.
Best wishes on your forthcoming trip to Japan! Don't fret too much over the preparations!
chet "yooperprof"
Hiro # 23. July 2006, 19:24
Thanks for the warme messages.
It is just a homecoming...I will try to take a lot of pictures, so please wait a while.
Chet, I liked your new photo album!
Hope you all have a lovely summer break.
yooperprof # 24. July 2006, 02:48
hungryghost # 24. July 2006, 19:32
Three Brandy Alexanders.
Yumm Yumm!
Hiro # 24. July 2006, 19:52
@Chet
No....that would be my next target. The furthest I drove up north is Warwickshire to Shakespeare's birthplace. My favourite place in England is Blenheimpalace in Oxfordshire.
@Hungry
Léazz # 1. August 2006, 17:44
Hiro # 8. August 2006, 04:51
Hope you are getting better.