A Thank You Note

Who Knew?

When we think about it, we have actually taken for granted the concept of a ‘calendar year’. It is actually semi-scientific and semi-imaginary, but it is here with us because few important people at the time made the decision. Who knew that the rest of the world few hundred years later would eventually govern itself by their definition of time?

For all its pivotal utilities, the calendar system also sets benchmarks in our lives so that we can see our life journey in sections like days, months, and years. It enables us to review our past and plan for the future.

But most of the time we do not know the full extent of what we do today will bring us in the future. Just like we didn’t know that something small in the past actually brought something we value dearly.

As I humbly went through the kind birthday wishes through postal cards, text message, emails, and the phenomenal Facebook, some of our common experience were brought alive again and made me value them even more…

Who knew that all those hardships and sacrifice have finally showed the silver lining beyond we could ever imagine and hoped for …

Who knew that our laughter and glee amidst our hectic days recharged us to do better in our important work …

Who knew that against all odds, GPA brought us from the deep jungles of Ujung Kulon to the high summit of Rinjani and taught us the true meaning of camaraderie …

Who knew that our time at PPI Belanda brought about national headlines, provoked further the criticism on the infamous parliamentary comparative studies, and led us to engage with remarkable individuals …

Who knew that our discomfort with doctrinal religious trap find its great relief in understanding universal good bound in every man and woman of faith, no matter who and what …

Who knew that our love to Indonesia has grown by every criticism we launch, every ideas we brainstorm, and every commitment – no matter how minuscule they are – we pledge …

Who knew that by the virtue of the same almamater we seized the day, expanded our horizons, and many years later we can still call each other friends …

Who knew that every airtime we spent on the phone, every letter we type through the electronic messengers and emails helped us to make better decisions and be better persons …

Who knew that those days of M-PR Consultant equipped us with skills that brought us to places …

Who knew that by just making arguments and countering others’ brought us to competitions in Berlin, Singapore, and Zagreb …

Who knew that our common interest in accoustic music made us perform together despite lack of rehearsals …

Who knew that despite our different background, circumstances brought us to the pious city of Qom in Iran and learned more about shared fundamental values than trivial differences …

Who knew that the brief chats we had broaden our horizons and shaped our way of thinking …

Who knew that despite overseas asignment, our work brought us together in Jakarta …

Who knew that from those times we spent on the dining table we got more than just good food, but we nurture good friendship …

… And who knows, that for every single ordinary opportunity we have together something extraordinary is waiting ahead …

For all of these, the few minutes you spent to send kind wishes, and many, many more… I sincerely thank you.

Your companionship and His blessings make up the reasons for me to look forward to exploring those that are yet to be known in the coming years…

… again, thank you.

Rotterdam, April 9 2008

Holy Thursday

The Day Indonesia Votes


With best regards,

Michael CNCG Putrawenas

This entry was posted in Contemplations and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.
  • Byline

    Michael is a professional leader in the fields of energy investments, complex commercial deals, and sustainability with extensive international experience. His personal interests span from socio-political issues, history, and culture.

  • From the Archives

    Celotehan tentang Indonesia dan Dunia

    Bicara tentang Indonesia dan dunia niscaya tidak akan selesai dalam sepuluh halaman, seratus halaman, seribu halaman sekalipun. Sedemikian banyak aspek dan interaksi diantara keduanya dengan jutaan fakta dan ribuan opini. Tulisan atau lebih tepatnya, “celotehan” yang dituliskan ini hanya ingin bercerita sedikit tentang beberapa aspek pilihan yang mungkin kurang ditampilkan dalam diskusi publik. Tulisan ini bukan tulisan ilmiah dan bukan pula essai komprehensif.