EVEN AFTER DEATH

For most people, waiting is the most annoying and tiring job in the world. Maybe that’s why they often say, “I’m tired of waiting”. How long are you willing to wait for someone you love? 5 minutes, 1 day, 1 month, or 1 year? How about 10 years? Most people couldn’t stand to wait even for an hour or two.




I was wondering what’s dwelling inside Hachi’s head that gave him the patience and dedication of 10 years waiting for his master’s return, everyday, always in the same place and at the same time.





Maybe he didn’t realize that his master had passed away and hoped that one day he will see his master again, walking towards him from the door in Shibuya Train Station.

Maybe he knew that his master had passed away, but continued to wait anyway, just to respect his deceased master.

Maybe he just wants to show the people around him, how much he loves his master.

Maybe his master’s soul came by to Hachi and whispered, “Wait for me there, and when the time comes, I will take you with me”.

Maybe God told Hachi to wait there, so that we humans can learn the true meaning of “loyalty”.

Only God knows…

We humans only knew the oath or vow of “Until Death Do Us Part”. Apparently for Hachi, he took the oath to a greater limit, “Even after Death Do Us Part”.

Don’t let the meaning of loyalty died with Hachi.

Ivan the Freelancer

FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY

Feels like it’s only yesterday, I remember meeting you at the airport.

“Someone once told me an important formula to create a nice weekend. Do you know what that is?” I sipped the cool-creamy-green tea drink with my butterfly dressed in black sitting next to me.

“No, what is it?” She looked curious.

“A pretty girl, lot’s of money, and a nice drink”.

“Oh.” She smiled with mocha around her lips.

“I’m glad that I have them all.” I said. “Especially you.”

Celebrating one year journey towards happiness with you, Butterfly”.



Ivan the Freelancer

YEAR OF TIGER, HIDDEN VALENTINE

What would happen if Chinese New Year was combined with Valentine and weekend? The answer was a flight on a jet plane to a place where families gathered with lots of red and pink ornaments. Gong Xi Fa Cai.

The Batavia’s bird of steel took me and my butterfly to a city called Batam. The trip through the clouds brought us to a city where my butterfly’s family resides. Batam welcomed us with sunny but windy weather and quiet roadways. I was wondering if Jakarta can be this quiet and peaceful.

I always dream of having my own house that I can call home, but this trip reminds me of the old saying, “Home is where the heart is”. Realize that no matter where we are, the place will always be homey if we share and bring our hearts along – because hearts don’t always have to reside only in your own house.

Many places to go, but only one heart to share. So make yourself at home, anywhere, as long as you bring your heart with you. And when two hearts become one, it is even better. Happy Valentine My Butterfly.

Ivan the Freelancer

LET IT RAIN

I can barely remember when was the last time I can enjoy the rain without asking it to stop. Since the flood often washed away the happiness in our house, I often wished I would never had to hear the rain again.

I almost forgot how it feels to be able to enjoy every drops of water when it rains, until the time I walked away from my house and took myself higher from the ground. I’m now homeless, but I’m happy.

Now whenever the sky gets cloudy, I can smile again. Whenever it drizzles, I can let it drop on my skin. And whenever it rains heavily, I just need to open an umbrella. It is good to be free. But I realize, there are so many other people who still suffer when it rains.

Wish the rain will never cause anymore flood. But then again, the rain is not the one to blame. We are the victim of our own act. Nature is fair because it will always return what we have given them. Like I said, if we destroy it, it will destroy us. Don’t say I never warn you.

Ivan the Freelancer

TINY SPARKLING GREEN TREE

“Do you know what is the best thing about this Christmas tree?” I asked my butterfly while standing near a small fan. “It wiggles when hit by the wind.”

The sparkling green and golden colored leaves are so “compatible”… a perfect match. She laughed while watching the tiny tree wiggled on my hand.

“But something is missing about this tree.” She said. “We should find a beautiful star to be put on top of it.”

“Right, that would be perfect.” I replied.

Mal to mal, places by places, we traveled. Through many trees we looked.

But pity… Up until New Year we still have not found the right star for our Christmas tree.

But one day…

I just realized that a star may appeared on a place we had never expected. There is our shining star, between our new-green-Polo-couple-shirt.

Anyway, we may not always find or get what we are looking for. But if you try hard enough with faith and good intention, God will always give you something in return – and a lot better too.

Ivan the Freelancer