So much information is coming through social media,
newspapers, TV and other sources. Times are tough. Most people are doing their
best just stay home for the better good, nonetheless, there are those who
refuse to believe that what is happening is real.
As I'm writing this, I can hear the construction site next
door working full blast. I sincerely hope those workers are making extra hazard
pay and that their being protected with masks and basic hygiene.
God, there are days where I have a very difficult time
wrapping my mind around all of this. But, I have noticed that the sky is
clearer - it's bluer which means less pollution. I have been trying to keep fit
with my physiotherapy workout and I tried to keep mentally fit by calling up family
and friends. However, today it is my baby sister's birthday and I spoke to her via
video chat. I tried to be strong while we were talking but now, I'm losing it.
Deep down inside I know this breakdown is not going to go on forever. Crying alleviates
the heart. Then you shake it off and go back into a different mode and just
keep swimming.
There are a lot
of things we have to adapt to specially, in my case, teaching classes online. I
see it as more of a help on line and the students are going to mature faster because
they have to be their own, let's say police officers, and discipline themselves
into doing everything that everybody or shall I say all the teachers are giving
them to do. I realize that staying in bed and sleeping or watching Netflix or
as they say bingeing on Netflix is much easier, but then again what are the long-term
effects of these actions. Now it is time to take your life into your hands and
try to set limits, routines, and discipline.
My current situation is that I have been away from the
family for 2 weeks and a half now. It isn't easy specially when your mother is
77 years old , suffers from many illnesses, in a house all by herself . I don't
feel that it's safe for her (nor for myself) to come her here to stay with me.
Although we've been speaking on the phone everyday, she has not learned how to
be self – disciplined, therefore, she spends most of her time in her room and
since she does not have access to cable TV or any other kind of paid TV, what she
only watches is the news in the open channels where all they talk about is the
coronavirus. A good thing though is that she has finally learned how to answer
a video call so we can see each other whenever we feel like it. But just seeing
the person is not enough. We were raised in a society where touching other
people is very important and this we miss a lot .
A good thing though from all of this is that on Sunday
towards the end of the day I received a beautiful picture (which can be seen
below ) from one of my neighbors, asking me if I wanted a piece of cake, which
she had just made for her family. I was super thrilled and moved with the kind
gesture and felt her frustration when I had to tell her that I couldn't accept
because I can't have anything with gluten in it. Nonetheless, I did thank her
very much and offered her my help in case she needed it although she's in a
house with four other people. Reaching out to others does warm the heart and
you can be sure that the person who is reached out to also feels better and not
so alone.
Not sure how long this is going to last, but the city
is under lock down and I am really hoping and praying that people take this seriously
and stay in their homes. As I have said before it is for the greater good. Now
is the time to think of us and not just me.
Stay home! Stay safe! Stay healthy both in mind and
body! We are in this together!
Written : March 24, 2020
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| Photo: Mariangela ( my neighbor) Thank you so much !!!! |
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