Another 2013 wedding.

17.3.2013.

Last Saturday evening we all trooped into  Dewan Perdana Felda for Nor Shaari's son's wedding. The wedding dais was stunning, the entire hall was tastefully laid out, and the rather long evening went nicely and nobody left early. Almost all the "budak-boys" came in 'baju Melayu" and everyone was talking at the same time, as if to make up for lost time. Maybe the dinner was served late, but it was good fare and I saw all the plates on my table cleaned.

Shaari had 'phoned me twice and sent his invitation,too. Plus, my "besan" Suhaili, sms'ed saying there was a card for me, from her sister, Suhaila, Shaari's ex, the mother of the groom. I'd have come even without the card - Shaari attended all three of my children's nuptials. This was Shaari's first kenduri, if I'm not mistaken.

Hank, Sha, Lion, Matsham, Matnor Gear, Nazri, Hashim Bulat, "Early Thursday" (Khamis Awal) and many more old chums were there  and I spoke with some and just waved to others, and old memories flooded  back. How long, how very long ago was it that we were teenagers trying to cram in schooling and  forming friendship and learning new stuff, such as girls, all at once. 

You see the faces and see how time has passed - most faces are still recognizable, but some have succumbed to marching time. Thick hair has thinned, or disappeared entirely. black has turned white, though Hank's seemed to have been given a new lease of life.  Stout frames have shrunk, but some shrunken ones have grown. But for the evening only happiness seemed to be etched on all faces, and that was how it was supposed to be. 

I told Dato' Ibrahim at my table ( not a "budak boy") these are the times that we meet again in numbers. We had different careers, moved separate ways and grew different circles. But always there is that lasting memory of the young years  decades ago. We cling to the memory, but we move on. Ah! the joy of youth!

Now we see the next generation we brought out ourselves, and ponder at their futures. What memories would they, in turn, carry ? I'm sure we have given our best efforts, but it's a fast-moving world  that waits for no one, and they  must keep pace or be left behind. I hope in their rush, our children would occasionaly pause and remember the old folks and what they stood for and what they tried to do.  Time shouldn't change that. Hank's hair may change, but this shouldn't.

Anyway, congratulations, Nor Shaari.

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