Well this afternoon I attended a funeral service for a distant relative.

He was only 28 years old and just got married last November (that’s like just 4 months ago). You can say he was on his prime. Has a degree in accounting and was a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. Just started a new post as a chief executive of accounts in Labuan last week.

He went through a medical check-up on Saturday and the doctor gave him an excellent result but that very night, he passed away.

Cause? Sleep apnoea - a sleep disorder where the muscles of the throat relax to the point of blocking the airway above the voice box during sleep.

Last month, we celebrated another of my relative’s birthday with a karaoke session and he was with us then. I remember he sang one song, Candle in the Wind, the song which Elton John sang for Lady Diana during her funeral.

The song kept ringing in my head during the church service. And now, I have a different person’s face to remember that goes with that song.

I don’t know what else to say. We can only plan everything but if tomorrow is still there, waiting for us, only God knows.

I pity the wife. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

Read about Sleep Apnoea : Might save someone’s life