COVID Blues

 

It's almost a year since the lockdown started. And now it's looking like we may still be in this state for another year! Other countries have been vaccinating by the hundreds of thousands or millions. But here we are, nothing concrete in sight for our country. With still around 2000 new cases a day and several deaths. 

My heart feels heavy when I think of how short-changed students have been. Especially those in the urban poor communities and those in the rural areas. Due to lack of internet access, the receive learning packets in paper form. But no teacher explanations. They now have to rely on their parents or older siblings to help them learn new lessons, and yet their parents are most likely unfamiliar with the lessons or too busy to spend sufficient time helping them. 

So many people have also lost their source of income. Some have had to shift to other jobs that actually expose them more to covid risks. For example, we have now a lot of delivery men on motorbikes. It's good that they have some form of income, but think about how many people they get exposed to in a day - when they go for pick up, and then they deliver to households. I hope and pray they can insulate themselves and take all precautions (masks, face shields, hand sanitisers and alcohol) so that they do not catch covid due to their jobs. 

Then there are the elderly, who have to stay home. Some who live by themselves. Usually the elderly delight in visits by family and friends. Now they have to contest themselves with online chat and video visits. Thank God there are these options, but there is still no substitute for a warm personal hug from a loved one. 

Then I think of my many patients, suffering from depression, anxiety, post-trauma stresses among others. It can be a challenge having these and having to stay away from social activity that could have energised them in better times. Of course there are still ways to connect online. And of course, sometimes the staying at home when there are family around, can also bring comfort. But when there is a need for more interaction, it can be difficult without the regular person-to-person support groups or activities.

Church. It's almost a year too since stepping into church for mass or for a personal visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Online masses have been good But I also miss the times when heart and mind and will are moved by the Spirit while in mass  or in adoration. 

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On the other hand, side by side with the COVID blues are COVID purples - or healing graces. For example, enjoying many more meals and together time with immediate family. Such precious moments! A unique time in our lives when we are together very often. 

And siblings. Five are in other parts of the world, while one is here in country. And here we are, every Sunday, together because we want to be with each other. We chat, and chat and chat. Sometimes we just reminisce. Sometimes we talk about what book we read, movie we watched. Or what our children are occupied with. Sometimes it's updates about other relatives. And sometimes, it's just joking and having a laugh about something that seems funny in the moment. Never before have we spent so much time together as a group. How my parents would have loved to be in the same chat group. I can almost imagine my Dad dominating some of the conversation with his stories and even some gossips. And my Mom quiet but listening to every word of what we all say, and loving it. COVID blessing. And very healing for the soul to know we have family that we can rely on until our last breath.

Dearest Beloved Lord, please ease the burdens of all who are adversely affected by this COVID situation. And thank you for all the graces that we have received despite the challenges of these times. It is consoling to know that You are ever with us. One with us. Amen.