Passing by death
As a child, I was told to steer clear of the wakes held at the void decks of the blocks near home.
Growing up in Singapore, we are surrounded by superstitions about death and the dead. A mix of fear of mortality and the unknown, I suppose.
As an adult, I notice the many funerals and wakes that take place near my block. One, then another, a gap, and maybe another.
I still feel that tug of superstition, even as I consider myself to be otherwise rational. But there’s also this other thing — this awareness that it’s a sign of how short and unpredictable life is.
I remind myself, as I pass by death, that my time will come one day. And till then, I’ve got the chance to live life to the best that I can.
We’re living this chance now.