When Ricky broke the sad news to me that our friend Kenny passed away in a tragic diving accident, I was confused. Yes, confused. “Which Kenny?” I don’t know of too many Kennys but it can’t be that Kenny because he is OUR FRIEND Kenny and we were just chatting two days ago. Yes, it’s our dear friend Kenny. I still think it is too crazy to be true. It almost seems like I just learned that our friends and our loved ones have the permission to leave this world without saying goodbye, ANYTIME.

Kenny is a brilliant architect, a wise man who thinks deep. A logical person but have his artistic side through the love for photography, art and music. We attend the same church fellowship; we serve together in our church’s photography team. I always enjoy talking photography with him. He gives me insights especially on the technical side of photography. I treasure the times we worked together at church retreats for the past two years. I won’t forget how we scouted for group photo location and staying late to do the slideshow. I learned from him to never settle for a mediocre job but always strive to do the best, for the Lord and for others. Because he once said, “Even if others don’t know, I cannot face myself.”

When I think of his wife and his two lovely girls, both I have taught in Sunday School, my heart is torn apart. I cry until I suffocate myself. Even when my tears dry out for a moment, that pukey feeling in my stomach does not go away. I can never fully understand the extend that his family misses him. I can only guess that it’s a million times worse than how I feel.

Kenny, I didn’t know that when Ricky and I said goodbye to you last Friday, it was our last. But I thank our Lord that we shall see you again in heaven someday and we won’t have to part again. In the meanwhile, you are always being remembered in our hearts. I am grateful that I had the chance to capture the happiness of your lovely family. This photo of your family is pure joy. The love you have for one another, so strong and beautiful, will live forever!

Kenny, thank you for taking this family photo for us last November. It means so much to us!