one last time
On November 16th 2015, I have the privilege to be invited to share on the topic “Simple” to some agencies in Bandung. Of course I was not alone, I was accompanied by my best comrades: Anita, Gracely and Albert. We drove over 400km round-trip from Jakarta to Bandung from 5 am and back at almost 12 am.
The trip was a fun-filled one, well actually more to tummy-fulfilling trip. After speaking at Allianz Learning Center (ALC), we drove of and practically stopped every 15 mins for meals and snacks. It was indeed such a sweet moment with my buddies and we even went down the memory lane of Albert’s university UNPAR, had afternoon wine at the Padma and close the night star-gazing at The Valley.
However, little did we know it would be Albert’s last session ...
Earlier that week, Ivan from B-Power agency in Pantai Indah Kapuk has contacted me if I will do the honor to speak in their agency’s closing meeting of 2015. It will be held on December 2nd night. I had said yes, gladly.
However, at the dawn of December 2nd, 4.39am, Albert breathed his last and our world was practically shattered into pieces. No more of his silly jokes, funny noises. No more of his design creativity. And our upcoming Hong Kong trip for MDRT Experience 2016 will no longer be the same experience.
With the situation that has happened I contacted Ivan few hours later and apologize that I will not be able to make it, since we will be accompanying Albert back to Bogor and also with the severe heaviness at heart, it will be very challenging to do anyway.
After he arrived in the funeral home, we decided that we will head back to Jakarta to rest and head to Bogor again the next day instead. As we were driving home in silence and heaviness, we were all very burdened and tired as we have been back and forth to the hospitals for several days. I intended to just be home earlier and rest.
Then a small voice came across my heart saying, “what would Albert wanted me to do?” go home to rest or carry on to sharing “Simple” to B-Power agency in PIK... to share it one last time #forAlbert
Long story short, I managed to share that night despite of my physical fatique and heaviness in my heart. I did it for one reason only, I want to live on to share Albert’s life. I want to dedicate this session, one last time for Albert. After all, this topic “Simple” was what Albert heard last before his early departure. I had even worn the same Batik as our last session together in Bandung.
More than ever, we knew that Albert really really wanted his 1st MDRT qualification this year. We talked about it, chat and joke around it ALL the time.
In fact, he mentioned that seeing my face would remind him of the MDRT wooden plaque constantly...
I conclude my speaking by telling them a brief story about a dear friend whom I just lost few hours ago. Albert was so passionate and energetic about everything he does. He is one of the finest insurance agents, leaders and advisors we knew. He continued to do what he can, even down to his final few days before finally admitted into the Intensive Care.
He wanted his first MDRT qualification. Days prior to that, he submitted several new cases and concluded his MDRT requirement. It feels like he’s telling us, “I don’t stop when I’m tired. I stop when I am DONE.” Now, I am done. I have accomplished my MDRT qualification, then he breathed his last... because he is done. He finished with the world’s highest acknowledgement in the industry: Million Dollar Round Table.
Dear Albert, I know you are reading this writing from up above. This post is dedicated to you. You are the reason we are not quitting. The reason we are still running. So I did this session ... one last time, for you.
We are already missing you.