What's important though, was that the article explained how this man, at aged 26, found out he had late stages of cancer. He has no insurance, and so the article appealed to everyone to visit, even on Tuesdays on which they usually close. All the workers would be working for free, and all profits would go into helping cover the cost of the medical bills.
It was a simple article, straightforward, to the point. In fact, one might think it was too direct, without sweet words to humbly request, or earnestly suggest readers visit to help. The article only mentioned the issue, the proposed solution, and described, though not in detail, how good a person the chef is.
I've never visited Stranger's Reunion, I don't know anyone there personally. But why did I end up visiting Stranger's Reunion on Tuesday, the next day the article was posted?
I don't know. I just know I felt it was something I had to do. It seems, many other people had the same idea too.
So anyway, I went with a friend, at 3pm on a Tuesday. I assumed it was off-peak and less crowded. Oh boy. There was a massive queue.
We were apologetically asked if we mind having the window-facing high seats. Nope, I like watching the world go by even though sometimes i share awkward eye contact with strangers. And so we were seated. Found out my waiter didn't really know the menu well, as he hadn't worked in 2 years, but he shared he went to work just to help. Our food was served relatively quickly, but the waiters had to pass them to us instead of putting it on the table for us because the cafe was too crowded.
We were seated next to a man who was slightly older in his 50s perhaps, my estimate coming from his greying hair and attire which resembles what my dad usually like to wear. 5 minutes after being seated, he asked me about my flash tattoos I had on my arm. That was the start of about 2 hours of conversation with a stranger.
We talked about tattoos, children, radio, cancer, taxis, second-hand cars, teaching, science, machines, church, christianity, Jesus, death, mercy, justice, Judas, Peter, betrayal, traitor, God's plan, free will, buddhism, heaven, hell, relationships, divine appointment. At the end of his meal, he paid for his own, walked out, and as he was passing us outside the shop, he signed that he paid for ours too.
So much kindness, and though unknowing, Stranger's Reunion was true to its name.
With so much happening and so much conversation, I couldn't help but reflect on the day.
My visit could be because I understand deeply the potential loss these people are facing. That same cancer took people away from around me. The most recent being Ms Loh. And so I can imagine what the people around the chef might be going through. What more, this man still has life. Even though he might seem at the edge of glory, there is hope. And so with this hope, everyone is rallying to pull him back from the steep cliff. Despite all the differences in personalities, religious beliefs, races, when people come together with a common goal, and with a common enemy, there is kindness, patience, and love.
How I wish the world was like my experience at Stranger's Reunion.
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