Remembering Melissa Sia: A Love Story Interrupted

Love, Loss, and the Power of Choices: My Interrupted Love Story

This is a love story, one that began with promise and affection but took an unexpected turn. It's a story of how two lives intersected and created beautiful moments, only to be altered by external influences. It's the story of Melissa Sia and me, a tale of love, loss, and enduring hope.

How I Met Melissa

We both found ourselves in the same batch of Assurance Associate hires under a program called Industry XPlorer at PwC Malaysia. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a transformative chapter in my life. At that time, I was grappling with the weight of depression, and Melissa was the only one in our batch who extended a listening ear and offered unwavering support. Her love and kindness shone like a beacon in my darkest hours.

A Journey of Transformation

My path took a surprising turn when I left PwC unexpectedly and had a profound encounter with my Lord and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I became a new creation, but Melissa remained a vital part of my life. She witnessed the remarkable transformation taking place within me. What began as friendship soon blossomed into a deep and passionate love. We shared countless moments, including hiking adventures and cherished introductions to her wonderful family. It was clear that I was the fortunate one, as I discovered the family I'd always longed for in Melissa and her immediate family.

Two Different Conclusions

Our love story had two different conclusions, and the twist in the tale came when I decided to join the Christianity Explored class at St. Mary's Cathedral. It was here that I crossed paths with Andrew Cheah, an Anglican priest whose influence would significantly impact our relationship. Our paths would likely never have crossed if not for my decision to enter that church. Vulnerable to influence, I was drawn to Andrew's caring demeanor. He gave me a book, and despite my initial hesitation, I shared my thoughts about potentially becoming a Roman Catholic to be with Melissa.

A Painful Choice

The truth, however, was that Andrew harbored a prejudice against Roman Catholics, a perspective I did not share. While my faith in the Lord had connected me with numerous Roman Catholics who embraced me with warmth and love, Andrew's influence led me to a heartbreaking decision. I chose to break off my relationship with Melissa, thinking it was the right decision. Deep down, I carried the burden of knowing I'd made a mistake and lost the love of my life.

A Chance Encounter

Years later, as I walked out of an apartment in Bukit Bintang, I chanced upon Melissa and her husband, a French chef. She was pleasantly surprised to see me and shared her news of marriage and plans to move to Paris with her husband and in-laws. I wished her well, but inside, I felt a profound sense of sadness, wondering what might have been.

Six feet under The last scene - ending scene

Melissa is now happily married to a Frenchman, living in Paris, a place she always held a fondness for. She's fluent in French, and we once shared magical moments at Alliance Francaise Kuala Lumpur.

A Treasured Keepsake

To this day, I hold onto the Holy Rosary that Melissa gifted me. I keep it by my bedside, and it glows in the dark, serving as a reminder of her love and the light she brought into my life.

John 1:5 (NIV) ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it

A Cautionary Note

In conclusion, I wish to offer a word of caution when it comes to individuals like Andrew Cheah. It's essential not to heed someone's advice solely based on their position or perceived wisdom. As the Bible reminds us, God often chooses the "foolish" things of the world to confound the wise.

1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV) ²⁷But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

While Andrew Cheah held a theological degree, his lack of love for fellow human beings, especially those with differing beliefs, influenced a significant loss in my life. I hold no prejudice against Roman Catholics, thanks to the warmth and love extended by many, like my dear friend Cheryl Victor who once had me over for her Easter family luncheon with her late father in The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Matthew 28:20 (NIV) ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

A Future Hope

Though the story of Melissa and me took an unexpected turn, I trust in God's promise of a future and a hope. While I may or may not meet someone like Melissa in the future, I remain steadfast in the belief that God has a plan for me.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) ¹¹For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

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