Dear Adam,
What can I say to a friend who lost his life while saving mine? It’s hard to articulate my feelings in words. Adam, you are a saint who lived next to my room. I never realized how big your heart was. Many a time you sacrificed your time and resources for me and for others. Little did I know this was in your very nature, generous to the fullest!
On Tuesday, 20th of March, at 14:03 I walked with you the Road to Hawai beach as we used to. We entered to swim in the Indian Ocean as you taught me to. We walked quite a distance into the sea because the tide was law low. We kept on telling stories about our families, our missions and appreciated how lovely the day was.
At 15:50, I saw that it was time to leave. I signaled you and you nodded that we start moving. You were comfortably swimming and you enjoyed it as always.
I realized as I made my way to the shore that the sea had become deeper and waves stronger. I reached a point where I could no longer swim and I felt I was being pulled down. I realized I was drowning. I called for your help Adam! I saw you racing to save me. You never for a second thought about yourself. All concern and focus was all about saving me! I clearly recall you calling me three times Cycus!Cycus! Cycus! Don’t Panic! You immediately began removing your Snorkel diving Mask to aid me breath. You gave me the air pipe first. Then more waves came. You instructed me that we swim together a bit from a higher tide as I held on the air pipe and you remained with the mask. Your mind, even at this was all about saving my life. You helped me swim a few meters. Adam, you pushed me out of a dangerous place to a safer point by using all the energy you had. A strong wave separated that bond and that was the last touch we held. I heard you shout my name twice. I never heard your voice again.
Adam, where you pushed me I found my legs could reach the ground. I never moved an inch I stayed. You left mean air pipe without a mask. It seemed useless but you knew it would be very instrumental. For sure it did save me because it’s the only tool I could use to wave as I called for help. I was located thanksto that pipe. I was rescued from the very safe place you left me, I didn’t move. So good a heart that I have no words to describe.So good that even in your death you never wanted anybody to suffer. You gave us all the clues where to find you even if you were swept very far. I held your hand pulling you from the sea. How I wished I could return the favour, saving your life, but you had sacrificed it all.
Thank you Adam for giving me your life. Thank you, thank you and thank you. I remain indebted to you and will keep on praying for you and I ask you to share with me that big generous, selfless and loving heart you inherited from your parents.
May God bless and console your mother who brought such a beautiful soul into this world. I will forever be grateful to her. My life is and will always be a testimony that there are saints living among us who, like Christ are ready to give up their lives for others. May God bless your brother and give him the consolation. Adam, together with your father rest in eternal peace till we meet. Bravo my friend and my brother for being Christ like in saving my life.
Eternal rest grant to Adam oh Lord and may your perpetual light shine upon him.
Your Friend and brother
Fr. Chungu Cycus C.S,Sp