The saying “time and tide wait for no man” attributed to 14th-century poet and author Geoffrey Chaucer becomes even more poignant when faced with mortality. This story serves as a reminder to those of us who still have the luxury of time to reconsider how we spend the days that remain.
A LIFE FULL OF LOVE AND RESILIENCE
In a corner of St Joseph’s Home, where corridors echo with the laughter of children and the hushed tones of caregivers, resides a unique group of individuals with extraordinary perspectives on life.
One such individual is Mr. Ng Kee Jock, a 65-year-old hospice resident described as a playful romantic who brings life to every gathering. Even during the interview, Mr. Ng cheekily sent flying kisses to his wife, Serena. An avid golfer with a hole-in-one to his name, Mr. Ng has always been full of energy, driven, and ever up for a challenge — many of which life has thrown his way.
FACING LIFE’S CURVEBALLS
The first major health challenge came in 2007 when Mr. Ng was diagnosed with stage 4 nose cancer. Following surgery, he endured countless rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, defying his original prognosis.
In 2018, another setback struck — this time, a major stroke while he was in Batam for a golf competition. Left untreated in time, the stroke affected his ability to swallow, and he now relies on a feeding tube.
“Why can’t I walk now?”, “Why can’t I eat like before?”.
The stroke not only impacted Mr. Ng physically but also emotionally, plunging him into depression and frequent outbursts of anger.
The final blow came in May 2024, when doctors discovered a tumour in his spine, a consequence of his earlier nose cancer surgery. Despite several rounds of chemotherapy, the treatments were ineffective, and Mr. Ng was given less than a year to live.
A JOURNEY TOWARD ACCEPTANCE
Faced with these challenges, Mr. Ng wrestled with the question, “Why me?” He grieved the loss of his health, independence, golf vacations, and the joy of culinary indulgences. But after countless sleepless nights and doctor’s appointments, he began to focus on what he still had.
Married for over 35 years, with four supportive children aged 25 to 33, Mr. Ng and Serena share a steadfast love. They tease each other, hold hands, and reminisce about their dating years and who made the first move. Amid the upheavals, Mr. Ng found solace in the unwavering support of his family.
He fondly recalls the days of mobility when the family would gather every weekend for mahjong, window shopping, or simple trips to the wet market. Even now, they continue this tradition, visiting him every weekend with smiles, stories, and the latest addition to the family — his grandson Travis, who never fails to brighten his days.
CHOOSING JOY
As Mrs. Ng wisely puts it, “We are in control of how we react to situations like these. We can choose to be sad, or we can choose to take it with a smile. So why not accept it early and choose to live happily?”
These choices — how we spend our time, the words we say, and the love we give — shape the legacies we leave behind. They serve as a call to cherish the present and the people who matter most.
When asked how they overcame life’s hardships, Mrs. Ng held her husband’s hand and smiled sweetly, saying, “他这么可爱！我怎么可能离开他呢?” (Translation: “He’s so cute. How could I ever leave him?”)
This tender moment exemplifies Mr. Ng’s philosophy: “It’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.”