Friday, May 1, 2009

On the Road Again

I met up with Ngae on Wednesday for a roadside coconut juice and to catch up with how the man himself is getting on. Walking every day, you will have heard he aims to do the KL marathon in June (walking). He is also swimming (so long as the pool is void of obstacles and he doesn't bump into the end). I also sensed that he is yearning to get back on his bike. Hanging in his temporary home/office nearby KL Sentral, Ngae stays put most of the day except for his morning 2hour constitutional.
He is looking decidedly well and if you thought the man was focused and had a positive outlook on life BEFORE the operation, well now he is even more focused...this time on newer things.
As he spoke about his experience it sunk in just how close to death the 'experience' (which is what Ngae refers to it as) was. We know the lump wasn't cancerous - that means that in a few months once the scars and bone has healed he can get back to normal (as normal as a man who proudly dons a sarong around town, washes clothes by hand and avoids air-con like the plague) can get! Ngae loves the simple life, he is passionate about sharing his philosophies on this life and his energy radiates onto those all around him.
He says he is right as rain, the doctors I think see him as something of a miracle man due to the fact he "bounced" back so quickly. After a 4hour life and death brain op he wakes up in ICU and has to be MOVED because he can't stop talking!! Head swaddled in bandages, oxygen mask on, drips, tubes, you name it...was not going to stop the man talking!!
So back to the Operation. I knew it was critical. But listening to Ngae explain it so matter-of-factly blew my mind. The day before he went in he spent time at his office clearing files and organising things - in case he did not wake up! There was a HUGE HUGE possibility this could happen. Another doctor had asked him not to do the op, it was too dangerous. What the hell do you say to your loved ones, friends and family before you go for an operation of such magnitude?? I have no clue. And I was a little shy to ask out right what Ngae did say before they wheeled him in.
I can only imagine knowing the character he is, that it would have been heartfelt and of course POSITIVE.
Great to have you back, looking good and on the road again.
Next stop...Putrajaya 70.3 in July? He has spoken of it and I would be pleased as punch to see you there!

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