I was beaming witb ecstacy over my new job offer and was just a click away from sending the sms to my parents when someone from home called.

It was unusual receiving calls from home in the middle of the afternoon, and it felt even weirder when the call was made by my dad. He mentioned that my uncle (also my dear cousin Hida's dad), had just passed on, and I told him to repeat it twice cos I simply could and would not believe it.

I hung up, and a few seconds after my mum called from her mobile to confirm the news. After that call, I just sat frozen for a while not knowing what to do or think. I got a grip of myself after a bit, said my prayers and shed my silent tears alone. I could not imagine the grieve of the family right now, and all I could offer are only my prayers.

In events like these, I beat myself up for not doing enough for my parents and loved ones.