I have known Ziyu for about 9 years. The first time I saw him was at Blk 98 basketball court, didn't really talk to him much. But when the Beattty Sec guys (Juntang, Ming De and company) started coming down more often I started to play ball with them. I knew nothing much about basketball at that time, except for its rules and the simple simple stuff.
Ziyu improved my techniques and skills. He improved me as a player.
I learnt so many things from him and eventually took to playing like him (but of course not as good as him!). I was never as fast and accurate as him. I can remember that I was always very stressed if I'm in the same team as him cos he's quite fierce when he say "把握!". Eventually I got used to it I think, and enjoyed being in the same team as him. But if we are in a different team then I'm the one that guards him because we're about the same height, and needless to say I couldn't guard him well.
We got closer in that period of time when we were Sec 4, when we were both doing the major exams. But we still played ball every Sunday with everyone else, together with the suppers at the Lorong 4 market and talking till it was quite late. Ziyu and I shared many things with each other and also encouraged one another for our exams. I remember once he wanted to talk to me about 9pm during my O level preparations, but my father wanted me to study. So when I brought my book down, Ziyu just sat by and accompanied me and told others not to talk or distract me. I always appreciated that, Ziyu, and it was kinda funny but I was able to study that chapter especially well (ironically I was actually about to laze and sleep when Ziyu came up to my flat and asked for me).
Ziyu has been my "coach" twice, for two main events. Along the way he had always shared tips and advice about basketball too. When I signed up with Panther, Jason and Max for the Nike 3-on-3, Ziyu offered to help coach us, especially me, cos I was the weakest in the squad. I can remember that few tedious hours of training in that Lorong 7 basketball court just below his block, where he taught me the basics of being a Center for the team...the 蓝板球 x 10 without allowing a bounce, the rebound drills, the ABC drills...
The other one was before I joined my JC basketball team. Ziyu brought me around to the common drills for fast-break and lay-ups that school teams usually do so that I can do well in the trials. I did well enough to get into the team, but I don't think I would have if not for Ziyu's "special" coaching that time, as well as his teaching of all that I know in basketball.
Ziyu, all those things that you have taught me, especially these two events, are fondly remembered. The images are still fresh in my mind...
It was a pity that after enrolling into JC I had much less time for basketball here back home in Toa Payoh with them, and I got to talk to Ziyu less and less. When I did play basketball with them, it was rare to see Ziyu due to his injuries or his commitments with work or schoolwork. But everytime when I do see him I will be very happy because he's like a brother to me and I will never forget how he encouraged me and taught me so many things.
I went to the movie - "Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone" with Ziyu. It was a pleasant experience to go out with you...thank you for inviting me along with your group of friends. I only wish there was more...
Ziyu, I am so proud of you, that I have a friend like you. You are the inspiration to all of us. Your route to NTU has been tough (and even that is an understatement), and I have always been filled with pride when I tell that to my other friends. You must know it was no easy feat, but you did it...and that is an encouraging fact for all of us.
I had looked forward to seeing you in NTU, my dear friend, and having lunch with you and all that. These can't happen now. But, Ziyu, you will always live in the hearts of all those that love you, of all those you love...all of us.
I will always remember you as my mentor, brother, friend. I will always remember the active, humourous, determined you. Your laughter still rings in my ears. You will not be forgotten, Ziyu.
You have lived a good life, Ziyu, my friend. A fulfilling life to be proud of.
I pray that you will be blessed and be at peace wherever you are...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My Special Friend
i've known ZIYU for about 6years..lets start from 6years ago,how i 1st knew him...he used to be the star at blk98 in tpy..remembering when i 1st heard his name,i went up to challenge him..indeed he is good!!from then on,we became enermy!!!whenever i play bball opposing his team,either team would play very rough..end up almost fighting everytime..but everything changed when tpy west start to recruit players...for the 1st day i stepped into the bball court for trainin,i saw him!!!is like wat the hell!!!i wonder if we'l fight in the same team??
as time pass by,i came to know that he's physically weak compare to any of us..durin trainin,we used encourage him alot.but what we can see from him is his determination and endurance..he is a person who never give up easily despite knowing that "some" body look down on him!whether its joy or unhappiness during competition,we have all been through together..
about 9months ago,we used to meet up at night,going rounding,went to eat at Jalan Besar,playin billiard at Golden Mile till early morning,went drinking,oakling at girls,and of course,hanging around and chit chatting till middle of the night.remember we used to chat everything under the sun..what is deeply in my mind is,he used to encourage me to study hard everytime we meet up!!nagging!!!..in fact,from that period of time,i've regarded him as my elder brother as well as a good role model..
things start to change when i've step into ns..as well as he have other commitments..on e 7th of feb,around 11 in e morning,i've recieved a call from ming de stating that "ziyu cannot make it"..in my mind is like,wtf!!!when i've rushed to the hospital,i couldn't believe my eyes!!he's lying there motionlessly!!!tubes going down is throat!deep down in my heart,i can't bear to see him go..since then,i knew, i've lost a friend whom i can share my joy and unhappiness with..
during the 2 nights at his funeral,i keep recalling what we had done in the past which really warms my heart.thinking that at least my good friend once had a chance to travel around the world,had a great family members who dotes on him so much and of course,had a wonderful relationship before he depart from this world..which is so much fortunate compared to alot of kids in this world!!
Ziyu,here i am wishing you leading a good life over at the other world..and you will always be remembered deep down in my heart that once,i've a great friend....
[SaRah]*
i have known ziyu through my bf since 2 years ago ,i might not know much things about him but my bf will always meet him up late at night @ golden mile & i will be there watching both of them playing billard/pool then he will joke & chitchat with us by passing time. we also went rounding at night when either of them have any programme . Until this year 2009 my bf is busy with his ns . Then i seldom hear about him. Jus then on 7feb i heard from my bf that ziyu cant make it. Is like so shocking . haiis =(
Then until the second day of his wake i was there praying to him & then walk to coffin to see him, i dropped my tears . Seeing my bf best bro lying in there. i understand how hurt is his family,gf & frens felt. I m Sorry that my bf & myself cant send him on the last day as he cant even walk properly . i know he will understand. I cant help out anything but just pray that he will lead a gd life in another world. Take Care & Rest in Peace . We will always remember you in our Heart. =]
as time pass by,i came to know that he's physically weak compare to any of us..durin trainin,we used encourage him alot.but what we can see from him is his determination and endurance..he is a person who never give up easily despite knowing that "some" body look down on him!whether its joy or unhappiness during competition,we have all been through together..
about 9months ago,we used to meet up at night,going rounding,went to eat at Jalan Besar,playin billiard at Golden Mile till early morning,went drinking,oakling at girls,and of course,hanging around and chit chatting till middle of the night.remember we used to chat everything under the sun..what is deeply in my mind is,he used to encourage me to study hard everytime we meet up!!nagging!!!..in fact,from that period of time,i've regarded him as my elder brother as well as a good role model..
things start to change when i've step into ns..as well as he have other commitments..on e 7th of feb,around 11 in e morning,i've recieved a call from ming de stating that "ziyu cannot make it"..in my mind is like,wtf!!!when i've rushed to the hospital,i couldn't believe my eyes!!he's lying there motionlessly!!!tubes going down is throat!deep down in my heart,i can't bear to see him go..since then,i knew, i've lost a friend whom i can share my joy and unhappiness with..
during the 2 nights at his funeral,i keep recalling what we had done in the past which really warms my heart.thinking that at least my good friend once had a chance to travel around the world,had a great family members who dotes on him so much and of course,had a wonderful relationship before he depart from this world..which is so much fortunate compared to alot of kids in this world!!
Ziyu,here i am wishing you leading a good life over at the other world..and you will always be remembered deep down in my heart that once,i've a great friend....
[SaRah]*
i have known ziyu through my bf since 2 years ago ,i might not know much things about him but my bf will always meet him up late at night @ golden mile & i will be there watching both of them playing billard/pool then he will joke & chitchat with us by passing time. we also went rounding at night when either of them have any programme . Until this year 2009 my bf is busy with his ns . Then i seldom hear about him. Jus then on 7feb i heard from my bf that ziyu cant make it. Is like so shocking . haiis =(
Then until the second day of his wake i was there praying to him & then walk to coffin to see him, i dropped my tears . Seeing my bf best bro lying in there. i understand how hurt is his family,gf & frens felt. I m Sorry that my bf & myself cant send him on the last day as he cant even walk properly . i know he will understand. I cant help out anything but just pray that he will lead a gd life in another world. Take Care & Rest in Peace . We will always remember you in our Heart. =]
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
好朋友
ziyu is both my mentor & teammate as well as 好朋友... I knoe him when i was 13 and he was 15, he teach me hw to play basketball. I veri RESPECT of him cause like my idol because of his 3point accuracy like sure go in...
Hes a veri humble guy, everytime say we all better den him... When i was 16 wif my group of frens veri sporty monday to sunday basketball all the way to night. From there get to knoe ziyu well as we like to challenge each other team, is veri fun althought sometime play quite rough.
As time past fast, my age at 17... We mix well wif ziyu team he chio us join west so my group of frens join tpy west together.. We suffer tough training together, play, disturb among ourself, tok crap together we from normal frens become brothers... training time ziyu slow in pickup hes stamina.. but we nv left him alone... we will buckup each other, hes determination wont let us down althought everytime he run last but still compelte training..
After training we all will gather tgt at coffeeshop eating chit chatting... A veri nice guy tat bring joy to us....你永远在我们的心中
To my dearest team mate
I still could remember that faithful Saturday afternoon as I walked towards the ward with a heavy heart. I knew something has gone terribly wrong when I received the call from Juntang. He told me to rush down to the hospital to see Ziyu for the last time. "For the last time?!" I exclaimed. How can that be possible?
I was just speaking to Ziyu over the phone back in the 2nd week of December. We were talking and thinking back to the days of the youth cup where we shared so much joy and laughters and wonderful memories of sweat and blood. We had also agreed to meet up after his operation in end February. He told me that his operation would allow him to play competitive basketball once again. It's just a simple wish. It's just a wish to be back on court and is that too much to ask for?
Ziyu, you have been a fantastic team mate and support for many of us. I still can remember your cheeky smile. The nights where we qie free throws. How I 1st met you at Blk 97 when you were introduced to me as the star player of Blk 97. The suppers at the market. So much memories.
My heart totally sank when I saw you on the bed. I really cannot believe my eyes. I have never felt so lost before. I'm not sure if what is happening is reality, how I have hoped that everything was just a bad dream. I did not have the courage to walk up to your bed. In fact I kept trying to deceive myself that the person I saw is not you, that I have made a mistake. I saw the tears by your eyes. I know that you did not want to leave us. I know that you are trying very hard to open your eyes, to respond to us.
In a few more hours, I know that your physical being will no longer be with us. But may your soul linger around all those who have loved you and may you lead a happy life in your new home. You will always be remembered.
I was just speaking to Ziyu over the phone back in the 2nd week of December. We were talking and thinking back to the days of the youth cup where we shared so much joy and laughters and wonderful memories of sweat and blood. We had also agreed to meet up after his operation in end February. He told me that his operation would allow him to play competitive basketball once again. It's just a simple wish. It's just a wish to be back on court and is that too much to ask for?
Ziyu, you have been a fantastic team mate and support for many of us. I still can remember your cheeky smile. The nights where we qie free throws. How I 1st met you at Blk 97 when you were introduced to me as the star player of Blk 97. The suppers at the market. So much memories.
My heart totally sank when I saw you on the bed. I really cannot believe my eyes. I have never felt so lost before. I'm not sure if what is happening is reality, how I have hoped that everything was just a bad dream. I did not have the courage to walk up to your bed. In fact I kept trying to deceive myself that the person I saw is not you, that I have made a mistake. I saw the tears by your eyes. I know that you did not want to leave us. I know that you are trying very hard to open your eyes, to respond to us.
In a few more hours, I know that your physical being will no longer be with us. But may your soul linger around all those who have loved you and may you lead a happy life in your new home. You will always be remembered.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Our Best Buddy Ever..
Ziyu.. My best buddy and Mentor.. I miss his scolding, laughter and the way he played basketball with us.. Its seem like yesterday that I still can feel his hand tapping my shoulder and said how things gonna work out in relationship, friendship and our basketball skills. The first time i played basketball with Ziyu was at block 97 court he teach me how to shoot and basic training. After finish our basketball we guys went to eat ice kachang or maybe our dinner together. We laugh, argue, disturb, ride bicycle and we fight.. Days pass very happily and we enjoy our outing especially our night in Thailand. We shop, eat and early in the morning we woke up the first thing to do is massage. Ziyu.. We gonna miss u very much.. Hope your next life God won't torture you with all this pain.. WE WON'T FORGET YOU OUR BEST FRIEND AND BUDDY..
Sunday, February 8, 2009
IN MEMORY OF ZI YU (Melissa Than Beatty '00)
08 February 2009, Sunday, 1551hrs SG Time GMT+8.00
Last night, a family lost their beloved son and his siblings their brother; a girl lost her loving boyfriend, a basketball team lost a committed team member and my brother lost a wonderful friend that he looked upon as a brother figure. Let us all observe a minute of silence in memory of Wong Zi Yu, who passed on last night, on 7 February 2009. Let us pray for his soul to finally be free from his earthly pains and illness, and may he finally find peace with the Big Guy.
It all started with a heart transplant. Following, he slipped into a coma and slowly deteriorated. His last moments were spent in a comatose state filled with laboured breathing and numerous tubes attached onto him. Although slow and painful, his last moments were also filled with family members and lots of friends by his side, grieving painfully but at the same time, trying to be courageous and strong for him. It was a testament of the love and joy that he brought to the people that were present last night and the importance of his presence in their life.
Although Zi Yu and I were considered to be more like acquaintances, studying in the same Secondary school but barely interacting, it hurts me very much to write about him in past tense. It felt almost surreal to know that he was gone. He was only 24 years old with a very promising life ahead of him and with so many dreams unfulfilled.
Zi Yu was a rather close friend of my brother as they played basketball together at the community centre together. Every so often, both of them would hang out together and ride their motorbikes late into the night.
Last night, my brother shared anecdotes of Zi Yu with me. My brother told me that Zi Yu was a generous friend who was very intelligent and unassuming, and would not hesitate to tutor his teammates in their homework whenever they needed his help. My brother also spoke of his enormous appetite which earned him the nickname of “rice tub”.
When Zi Yu passed on, he was a mere shadow of his former self, bringing tears and a rush of pain to those who set eyes on him. How could such a perfectly wonderful person be inflicted with such a cruel fate and pain?
His demise is a loss to a lot of people but let us all learn to release the pain with the passage of time. Zi Yu may have physically departed, but his memories will always remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, larger than life and just a heartbeat away.
From Sister Goldie:
I might not know him well, but as a friend who saw him every now and then; my heart ached when he was gone. He was a very good friend of my brother, someone who joked a lot and brought laughter into people’s life. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knows him and I pray for his soul to be freed from pain and I wish for his family member and people who love him to celebrate his passing and not grieve as he has left this world to a happier place that’s not filled with pain.
Last night, a family lost their beloved son and his siblings their brother; a girl lost her loving boyfriend, a basketball team lost a committed team member and my brother lost a wonderful friend that he looked upon as a brother figure. Let us all observe a minute of silence in memory of Wong Zi Yu, who passed on last night, on 7 February 2009. Let us pray for his soul to finally be free from his earthly pains and illness, and may he finally find peace with the Big Guy.
It all started with a heart transplant. Following, he slipped into a coma and slowly deteriorated. His last moments were spent in a comatose state filled with laboured breathing and numerous tubes attached onto him. Although slow and painful, his last moments were also filled with family members and lots of friends by his side, grieving painfully but at the same time, trying to be courageous and strong for him. It was a testament of the love and joy that he brought to the people that were present last night and the importance of his presence in their life.
Although Zi Yu and I were considered to be more like acquaintances, studying in the same Secondary school but barely interacting, it hurts me very much to write about him in past tense. It felt almost surreal to know that he was gone. He was only 24 years old with a very promising life ahead of him and with so many dreams unfulfilled.
Zi Yu was a rather close friend of my brother as they played basketball together at the community centre together. Every so often, both of them would hang out together and ride their motorbikes late into the night.
Last night, my brother shared anecdotes of Zi Yu with me. My brother told me that Zi Yu was a generous friend who was very intelligent and unassuming, and would not hesitate to tutor his teammates in their homework whenever they needed his help. My brother also spoke of his enormous appetite which earned him the nickname of “rice tub”.
When Zi Yu passed on, he was a mere shadow of his former self, bringing tears and a rush of pain to those who set eyes on him. How could such a perfectly wonderful person be inflicted with such a cruel fate and pain?
His demise is a loss to a lot of people but let us all learn to release the pain with the passage of time. Zi Yu may have physically departed, but his memories will always remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, larger than life and just a heartbeat away.
From Sister Goldie:
I might not know him well, but as a friend who saw him every now and then; my heart ached when he was gone. He was a very good friend of my brother, someone who joked a lot and brought laughter into people’s life. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knows him and I pray for his soul to be freed from pain and I wish for his family member and people who love him to celebrate his passing and not grieve as he has left this world to a happier place that’s not filled with pain.
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