A friend who never really left our hearts
It’s been ten years since he left us, leaving a void that cannot be filled. His voice still resonates in our ears and that infectious smile he always had still feels ever so near. It’s not often a conversation amongst us ends without remembering a moment that involved him.
Treha (as we fondly called him) never really left our hearts. Although short, his life left a deep impression on everyone who knew him. He was a unique person and a man all his own, full of love, compassion, loyalty and faith. It is with pride we remember our friend, as we give thanks and praise to God for his life.
There are countless stories of Treha, of how he touched our lives and hearts from younger days. He was extremely loyal and had this amazing ability to make others feel very special. Once a friend was carrying a painting drawn for the school exhibition. A teacher who saw this painting made a passing comment that it could have been better which really upset Treha who went on to defend the friend and didn’t stop until he convinced the teacher that the painting was the best he had seen.
He was very compassionate towards others and always put their needs ahead of his own. Once during a descent at Adam’s Peak (Siripadaya), one of our friends sprained his leg badly with almost half of the distance left to be completed and was really struggling to walk. Treha offered his shoulder for the rest of the descent and didn’t let go until the last step was taken. He was very particular about taking care of each and everyone around him and constantly kept an eye out for any hazard. Another friend remembers how Treha shouted and stopped him from getting into the water when the sea was rough.
He was a team man to the core and always took the lead in creating opportunities for us to meet and enjoy ourselves. His prime motive was to keep everyone together and happy. He always accepted the successes of others and celebrated them as if they were his own.
Treha had an abiding faith in God and devoted his entire life to be a living testimony for Christ. He was a great son for his parents, a loving husband to his wife, a caring brother to his sisters and a dear friend and pillar of strength to all of us.
Treha you were a true friend in every sense of the word. We cherish our memories together and they will never fade away. Although you parted early, we know we’ll be back together in that promised land. Until that day, may the turf lie gently over you!