How can i forget? (for Elmo)

I.
I was chatting on YM earlier with a good friend who is now based in Malaysia. After the usual "kamusta pare?" and "kamusta yung mga tropa?" and the once in a lifetime "kamusta kasal ni Rick?" i was asked if "nakapunta ba kayo kay Elmo?". It struck a chord. With a lot happening around me i forgot all about it. I forgot that about 3 weeks ago, a good friend passed away. He was a good friend to every Ishneaky and to all our beloved cars.

II.
To the Auto Tech uninitiated, Elmo is one of the shop's mechanics. He has worked on almost every Auto Tech customer's car. From the most complicated engine transplants to the simplest stickers stuck to our cars, he will most likely have his hands on them. He is one of the reasons why even with nothing to get fixed, i make it a point to drop by the shop as often as i can. Because you know that you will be in the company of friends. The last time i saw him was before last year's Subic track day. The very same track day that was a very life changing for me. I asked him to check on my engine and he ensured me, albeit in a very hoarse voice, that he is 100% sure that if did not hit anything in the track me and my Eunice will make it home. I never saw him again.

III.
Elmo passed away at the age of 39, losing his fight with a throat tumor after 3 operations. And sadly i did not even notice his absence much. Not because he didn't matter but simply because i was too busy thinking about my car. Although i find myself asking about him from the other mechanics from time to time, i never really thought about him and his situation. Well actually i did. A lot. A few months ago, while having coffee with a friend we even thought of asking everyone for a few hundred pesos each to buy something for him and his family. I think this is right around the time of his third operation. But again the whirlwind of things, work, family and yes... cars has totally erased the thought from both our minds.

IV.
I heard of his passing when a friend posted it in a local car forum where we usually hangout. Everyone said their goodbyes and their condolences and offered their prayers, including myself. And then i forgot about it. The daily grind has made me forget that we lost a friend and somewhere out there, a woman lost a husband and a 12 year old kid lost a father. And after hearing all about it again it just brought the thought home.

V.
We are all too often guilty of not really thinking of people around us. We're not being being mean, we are just sometimes too busy to really think of anything else. I have been once again reminded of how easy people can be taken away from us. I recently told a good friend that it is always sad to lose someone... without really thinking about it. And no sooner than a day, i was reminded of it. My sadness may have been delayed by my busy schedule but it's sadness just the same.

VI.
So now as i put away all my mobile phones, turn off the TV, set my alarm and close my notebook i will say a silent for Elmo who was a friend to me, my friends and my Eunice. I'm sure you are now working on cars in the great race track in heaven with all those racing greats who went before you. I only wish you will have time to work on my car when i see you again. So long Elmo and thanks for the humility and selfless service you have given us. And i will be praying for your wife and your kid. May God give them the strength they need in dealing with their loss. Vaya con Dios Amigo. Until we meet again.