Shahira Ab. Ghani

I’ve just arrived home from attending the funeral. It has been a long day and I still can’t get it off my head.

As I saw her body being lowered to the ground today, memories of us together came flashing back.

I met Shera last when I treated both Yati & her to a belated birthday lunch at Itallianies The Curve only last Friday.

She was her usual chirpy self but I also saw that she was extraordinarily radiant. I felt it in my heart but it didn’t quite make it to my mouth.

We had lunch as usual, making jokes about everything, our kids, our jobs, the waiter... while polishing off everything on the plates. Of course we shared everything we collectively ordered – shrimp linguine, fried calamari, beef lasagna and crème brulee.

As we hugged and kissed before we parted ways, I told her her hair smells delicious. It was as baby-soft as ever but without the brown natural highlights she used to have. A few kisses and hugs and she was gone. As quick as lightning. That’s her- quick, no-nonsense, little miss speedy Gonzales.

And then her brother called me at work yesterday to deliver the news.

It was a horrible accident on her way home from school at about 3pm.

He couldn’t confirm what exactly happened but apparently she hit a lorry. Her neck and head broke. She died when they arrived at a clinic.

She wasn’t driving her own car. It was a brand-new red Savvy that belonged to her sister-in-law. And she has been complaining that something’s wrong with the accelerator/brake.

At the funeral today, she looked calm and beautiful. Her mum was weak and weary and her daughters were solemn but curious, unaware of the magnitude of the situation. Syafiq was just inconsolable.

He made Yati & I promise we’d come visit him and the kids. Her mum wanted us to always think of Shera’s kids as our own.

I saw so many TESL 5-ians today I’ve lost track. It’s heartbreaking to be gathered again under such unfortunate circumstances. Shera would have loved to play host to our gathering, in fact not one conversation passed by without her mentioning of one.

My darling Shera – may you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed. We didn’t get to have our all-girl shopping trip to Bandung , u won’t make it to my house in Melaka after all and I’ve been meaning to tell you this, I think your blog name’s really witty.

You are a strong and selfless woman, often putting the needs of others first ahead of yours. You are a wonderful, efficient and doting mother & wife. Most of all, you are a reliable, rock-steady, fabulous friend.

Ya Allah Ya Tuhanku engkau cucurilah Rahmat ke-atas roh Shahira binti Hawa dan engkau tempatkanlah dia di kalangan orang-orang yang beriman. Amin.