CHEW ON IT – MY FRIEND RAY
I first met Ray Hatton when he was 33. I was only 16 and also his karate teacher. During class, I was the authoritative instructor. But then we started hanging out after the lessons. We would go for runs together around Centennial Park, and afterwards, his wife Sue would prepare wonderful meals for us. She was responsible for my addiction to pepper steak.
Ray soon became a close friend. He was like a big brother to me. He even taught me how to drive and helped me buy my first car, a Chrysler Valiant (which was nearly as old as me).
Ray and I were two of the five Budokan team members that won the 1978 NSW Karate Championships. We beat the formidable Japanese team of Kyokushin full-contact champions in a close contest.
Years later, Sue and Ray moved up north to the Sunshine Coast, where at the ripe young age of 50, Ray enrolled at university to become a psychologist. He became a wonderful, caring and compassionate therapist. He treated Vietnam War veterans amongst many others. Ray did so well in his career as a therapist that he became a psychology lecturer.
Ray was always physically active. He continued running until his knees gave up on him. He then started cycling and kept it up into his late 70s.
My dear friend and guardian sadly departed from this world on Sunday, September 1, 2024, when his big heart decided it was time to stop.
I am grateful to have had such a wonderful friend.
It does not seem long ago that I was an energetic 16 years old. Now I find myself in my mid 60s. I am fortunate to be able to celebrate being this age without any major health issues.
Attending 21st birthday parties and weddings were the norm. Unfortunately, nowadays funerals seem to be the norm.
A few years ago, I attended a rugby match at my old school, Newington College. I was informed an ex-teammate of mine from the 1974 school First XV was there. I was unsuccessful in finding him and I thought I would catch him at another game.
Sadly, the next time was to be his funeral. He had suddenly died from a heart attack.
It makes me appreciate the precarious and unpredictable life we have. Having lost many family members and friends, it reminds me of the quote by Confucius: “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.”
My focus in life is now seeking and sharing joy and pleasure with friends and loved ones.
This year, I have already organised numerous reunions of school friends, karate students, fitness friends, and family. In December, I have family visiting from England, Malaysia, and Singapore for a family reunion.
During birthdays and anniversaries of loved ones, I have asked younger family members to provide a living eulogy to older family members.
It was at a funeral when listening to a eulogy that I realised the person who should be hearing it is no longer able to.
There is also no need to wait for an occasion, family and friends would always love to hear about how much they are loved and appreciated. Give the warm expression of love generously.
The person that you need to care for the most is yourself. After experiencing the devastating effects of a major stroke in my dad and big brother, it has motivated me to change my lifestyle.
I treasure the gift of my one and only life. I now eat far healthier than I did during my immortal days. I never thought that I could eat a meal with only vegetables and no carbs. I’ve also greatly reduced deep fried food.
I have also sought the advice of our resident nutritionist Mogestri Pather. What I like about Mogestri’s advice is that it is science-based, utilising DNA and blood tests to prescribe the exact foods and supplements that my body needs.
Everyone’s requirements are different. It is silly to follow the latest diet trend, but wise to discover what your unique body needs.
As much as I don’t love working out, I have developed discipline with my three days a week of training — resistance, flexibility/mobility of my hip and shoulder joints, and some martial arts weapon practice for fun.
Resistance training and joint mobility are critical for good health.
Training should not be a chore. To ensure that it is not, my training is efficient, effective and safe. My sessions take less than 45 minutes.
Every one of us is capable of a healthy lifestyle. Years ago, I would not have believed that I would be eating so much healthier. It is a matter of incremental changes until the habit becomes your new normal.
You don’t need to believe that you can do it — just keep doing it till it is habitual.
