THEY say time heals all wounds. I disagree. Time alone is not enough to send grief away.
The wound is still there, but it’s what you do with the time that helps with the healing process.
That proverbial phrase “when life gives us lemons, make lemonades” is something that I hold on dearly to, especially after learning how fragile life can be, following the recent death of a loved one.
I started to view life from a different perspective. Instead of being depressed about things you cannot change, it is better to take on a more optimistic approach and be positive when encountering misfortune.
For instance, popular television personality and former HotFM radio announcer, Fara Fauzana, 36, had a heartbreaking setback recently.
Today would have marked a joyous occasion for her. It would have been her big day, a day which would see her embark on a new chapter in her life.
But, sadly, fate had other plans for her.
Two weeks shy of today, she called the wedding off, for reasons only known to her. Whatever the reason was, I am sure her feelings were shattered.
I can’t even imagine being in her situation, especially when the wedding cards had been mailed out and 90 per cent of the preparations for her big day were complete.
What more for a celebrity whose no-wedding news quickly went viral on the social media, reaching thousands of people almost instantaneously. Even those who didn’t know her, now know who she is.
The news prompted comments from Netizens, who were shocked, sad and even intrigued. Some comments took a pot shot at the former groom-to-be, Mohamed Hafiz, suggesting that he was already married. In short, everyone judged him and, honestly, I feel sorry for the guy.
When a sources-based story appeared in a Malay newspaper questioning his status, Hafiz released a statement to the media defending his bachelor status.
In a case of “he says, she says”, we should just leave it to them to sort the matter out.
I bet Fara knew that she’d be hounded by the media as soon as her written media statement was released that day. And, she also understood that she was unable to shut the media out when things go wrong, especially when she was the one who had called for the press conference to announce her wedding day (early last month), in the first place.
They say when fate throws a dagger at you, there are two ways to catch it. Catch it by the blade like how Chuck Norris would, and you could end up harming yourself because you are not Chuck Norris.
But if you grab it by the handle, you may use it to fight through the obstacles ahead. (Take note that the advice is not to be taken literally, because, again, you are not Chuck Norris.)
Fara did the latter, and she received much adulation from members of the media and even the public in general. I take my hats off to her for ably handling this sticky situation.
Attending an event recently, Fara knew there was a group of journalists waiting to dig more from her. Many celebrities I know would have tried to make a quick exit.
But not Fara. Although she may have been bogged down by all kinds of emotions, she knew she had to be professional. It was a job and she had to turn up.
Let’s be honest. Not many have the ability to separate work from personal issues. But Fara seemed to do it admirably well.
She faced the media head on. With a smile on her face and brandishing her pearly whites, she greeted the press as she made her way to her car.
Never mind that she kept mum on the real reason for calling off the wedding, she maintained her composure and kept on reiterating that the reason was personal. Oh, she also thanked the press for all the support.
Fara has put her years of studying mass communication at Universiti Teknologi Mara to good use that day, elevating her status from a mere artiste to a selfless celebrity.
Looking back to the time when Fara called for that special press conference, I did find it a little odd that she was the one making the announcement.
Call me traditional, but when it comes to matters like marriage, shouldn’t the bridegroom-to-be be making the announcement instead? It is true that he does not have that celebrity status to warrant the media’s attention, but he should at least be present.
Fara and I may experience a different kind of loss, but the unbelievable pain and anguish that accompany grief is just as great.
As we all try to plan how our perfect little lives would be, at the end of the day, the Almighty remains the master planner.
By accepting what has happened, depression and anger cease to exist. Yes, it’s time to embrace our new reality.
Hizreen Azleena Kamal is a passionista with a keen interest in showbiz and pop culture (online shopping included!). And oh, she is also the Entertainment Editor.