I shall always remember this incident. It has etched a lifelong memory in my mind. Perhaps it was because I was so close to Mr. Tan before he died, or perhaps it was because I had witnessed a person who was so close to me die right before my eyes. One cool and breezy morning, I went to the nearby park to relieve the stress of the coming O Level Preliminary Examination. Right in front of me, an elderly man of about sixty years was jogging. He was dressed in sports attire. I thought he looked vaguely familiar from behind. He was gasping profusely for air and his shirt was drenched with sweat.
Unlike the other people jogging in the park, he did not stop to take a drink of water or even a break. He seemed to be pushing himself very hard. After completing seven rounds without taking a break at all, the elderly man suddenly collapsed. Although I was enjoying the scenery and the fresh air, I quickly turned around and rushed to his side. Only then did I realise that he was our friendly and helpful old neighbour, Mr. Tan. Some curious onlookers were crowding around him. I was so shocked that I could hardly breathe. Fortunately, he was still conscious, though he looked weaker than usual.
His face was as white as a sheet. His lips were blue. Just then, a tanned muscular young man drawled, I know how to perform Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. After which, he pushed his way through the crowd. Another passer-by took his handphone and called the ambulance. After what seemed like eternity, the ambulance finally arrived. I heard the sirens of the ambulance, and heaved a huge sigh of relief. The paramedics lifted Mr. Tans limp body onto a stretcher, then into the ambulance. I immediately called my mother, told her what had happened and got her permission to accompany Mr. Tan on the ambulance.
I climbed onto the ambulance and sat beside Mr. Tan. I held his hand and stroked his forehead. I was extremely worried about his condition. He was kind and friendly and always willing to help others. I visited him very often, and we spent a lot of time together. Whether it was playing chess with him, listening to his grandfather stories, or watching television with him, we always had a lot of fun together. I did not want anything to happen to him. He treated me like his grandson; and I treated him like my grandfather. The ambulance was not moving at all and I wondered why. I peered out of the window and saw road congestion.
I thought, The ambulance might not be able to reach the hospital in time! Unless there was a miracle, there was no way he could survive long enough till we reached the hospital. Suddenly, Mr. Tan fainted. He was unconscious. There was a long queue of vehicles in front of us. I prayed for Mr. Tan. I prayed that he would not die. I did not want him to die before my eyes. A paramedic came over and felt Mr. Tans pulse rate to assess his medical status. She shouted in dismay, Mr. Tan is dead! His heart is not beating! Tears welled up in my eyes. I thought angrily, Why did God let Mr. Tan die? It isnt fair. He was like a grandfather to me.
Hot tears flowed down my cheeks. I had just seen Mr. Tan well and alive, and then he was dead. A few days later, I attended Mr. Tans funeral. I was depressed. I really sympathised with Mr. Tans relatives when I saw them sobbing uncontrollably. When I walked past his coffin, I could not help but shed a few tears. He was a really special friend. When I was down, he would cheer me up. When I was happy, he would share my happiness with me. After that incident, I learnt to treasure the people around me. I have also learnt how delicate and fragile life is. I will never ever forget Mr. Tan, and all our memorable experiences we had had together.
