A Friend Remembered

Today, I mourn the passing of Pakcik Samat.
He lost his battle with diabetes...all within a short span of about 4 months.

I don't really know why I addressed him as 'Pakcik'...cos he was in his early 50s.
I suppose that was what everyone in school knew him as.

He started off as a contract cleaner with us in early 2003...and because of his dedication and quiet, unobstrusive ways, he was offered to join the school as a caretaker...after we lost another beloved caretaker, Cik Khamis.

Both men worked behind the scenes...making sure that the school was opened way ahead before the first person strolled into the premises at 6.20am...and were the last to leave sometimes. 

Pakcik Samat carried a bunch of keys to open about 120 doors...hahaha...I used to joke that I could hear the clanking of metal before I could physically see him.  He helped me look after my special room, and once per term,  the would conscientiously bring a bottle of Jif to scrub away the graffitti on the tables the students had scribbled.

When his illness took a toll on his health, he struggled when he came back to school.  He still needed the money to support his 2 school-going girls ("I married late, Cikgu", he had said to me with a tinge of regret.)
He became apologetic when he struggled with his responsibilities in school.  I think no student realised that he had lost some of his toes, and moving around was a laborous chore.

He did not complain...neither did he ask for a reduction in work load.
"Cari reski halal" (I need to earn a 'clean' living)...something that he believed in.
He worked and worked, and while we tried to lighten his load, his once well-toned body was reduced to a puffy but skinny frame...ravaged by illness when I last saw him.

Rest in peace, Pakcik Samat.
You fought hard...and you lived your life as an honest, decent man.
I will miss you.

Al-fatihah buat
Abdul Samad bin Mohammed
23 Dec 2009
Ameen