Merisa Ryu...a soul too sweet to be taken away too soon

Looking at Merisa's pictures on Facebook, especially the ones that were taken when she just arrived in Dubai, I can't help but think.....who would have known she were to return like this.

She must have came here so full of hope and anticipation for a brand new beginning.

She was young. Beautiful. Intelligent.

She was always so full of life.

It was only until recently that I realized that many of us are unconsciously drawn to her for advice.

She always has the ability to calm others down and offer an objective view.

She would support you if you are right.

But she will also give it to you straight and uncensored if you fucked up.

That is what makes people love talking to her about their innermost feelings.

We had an interesting friendship.

We were kinda close but not so close that we would tell each other everything.

However, I am glad that most of our long conversations were deep and insightful.

We were trying to fix a time to meet.

I keep feeling like she's gonna call me again suddenly and we would go out and have hotpot and a beer afterwards, just like before.

Can't stop thinking about the good times that we had together...

The time when I was holding on to her for warmth when it was winter in Dubai and she had THE most comfortable and snuggly sweatshirt on.

Or when we were both laughing at one of my naughty wisecracks.

The first time we met when we did a Venice flight together. She was so young, innocent and pure when we were on the water-bus.

Then there was the Zurich flight where we took the wrong train and almost missed the last train back to the hotel but thank God we finally made it back safe and sound.

And while walking in the city of Manchester, after a fruitful trip to Primark, she was telling me about how ridiculous she thought it was that Japanese girls were going to the plastic surgeon to have their voices tuned into high-pitch squeaks ala Chobits!

She would remember my birthday (and probably every single one of her friends') even if it was not mentioned in Facebook. Guiltily, I can never quite remember anybody's birthday (^_^;)

Because of this, I made a mental note to remember hers and celebrate or at least buy her a gift this year.

But it is something that will never be fulfilled.

She introduced me to some really nice Japanese restaurants and some other Asian ones too.

The delivery I just gobbled down was one of her delightful recommendations too.

Was looking forward to another of our long talks.

But it will never come.

I am sure she is onto another incarnation of her ancient soul to become wiser again.

I should have told her how much I admired her when I still had the chance.

It was a realization that came too late but I am glad it came anyway.

Well, Merisa dear, at least you get to stay forever young and beautiful at the age of 29.

And that is also how you will be remembered in our hearts.

The lives that you touched, have all come together to share their memories of you.

And you know what?






It's all good.




(And I can see you breaking into a smile at this)