Finding Joy In Difficult Times

It was a beautiful summer afternoon and we were enjoying cold milk teas while talking about how our  life has changed ever since the pandemic began. We were reminiscing about the past years, our supposedly plans for 2020, and how sudden everything changed. 

“This couldn't be happening in the 21st century, right?", I told my husband. 

We already prepared the checklist of things we have to do in case one of us, or both of us, gets infected with Covid-19 back then. I was so confident with myself, thinking I did everything to prevent the virus from going inside our home. But I was wrong.

Afternoon tea time with hubby

Covid is real and it is here!

Two days before my husband got sick, a colleague introduced me to someone who sells hospital-grade oxygen tanks. I was quite hesitant at first, but I thought we might also be needing it in the future. Ironically, it was out of stock when I placed my order; but I was on the waiting list.

On the day hubby started having fever, the oxygen tank arrived as well. It was amazing, God really works in mysterious ways. He know our needs when we needed it most.

It is important to have an idea of the normal values.
Normal oxygen level is 98-100

That same evening, my husband started complaining of headache. As a registered nurse, I assessed him and gave pain reliever meds as initial treatment. Right then and there, I suspected it was Covid-19 so I proceeded with the plan - isolation! It would be very difficult if both of us get sick at the same time so I needed to vacate our bedroom for the next few weeks.

Day 2 and he was having on-and-off fever with oxygen level at only 95. He’s perfectly okay except for the headache and fever. I continued praying that if this is Covid, that he would only have mild symptoms.

Online Medical Consultation with Infectious Disease Doctor

Nurse's notes and vital sheet monitoring

A few days later, we decided to get a confirmatory Antigen swab test. Although the results came out as a surprise since we rarely go out of the house except for groceries, we just had to accept it as it is. My husband tested positive.

On the other hand, another surprise was that I came out negative.

Surrendering

I found myself crying every night. I worry, but I turn to God with prayers and worship songs; asking for God’s healing and strength.

It was the longest three weeks of my life. In between household chores and work, I did my best to provide the nursing care my husband needs.

"If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm"
Getting my daily free dose of Vitamin D

Sometimes, I found myself just staring by the window - praying and waiting for this to be over. I was also praying that the symptoms will never get severe.

Deep in my heart I know that this is just one of the many challenges in our lives. The trials have made us stronger and courageous, but dependent on our Savior Jesus Christ. Thankfully, we survived each day because of God’s love, provision and grace.

timing matters in treatment of Covid-19

We've seen how this pandemic suddenly changed the way we live. I personally know of other people as well who survived Covid-19. Seven of my relatives including my brother and his entire household got sick of Covid-19 sometime in August 2020. Thankfully, they had very mild symptoms.

 

Surviving

exhausted but fighting!

Dear Survivor, my prayers are with you during these challenging times. Hold on! No one says it would be easy, but remember that God is always in control.

I understand how this pandemic brought anxiety and depression to you. Do not forget that these challenges will allow us to appreciate our blessings even more.

Take time to enjoy the little things in life. You can start a new hobby. Organic gardening has been my outlet. We enjoyed freshly harvested, organic, and unlimited vegetables from my small space urban garden. I plant because it brings smile to me and to other people.

 

This experience has made me strong, and I become a better person.

I learned so much from the challenges we faced since the beginning of the pandemic. I learned to trust God and not to rely on my own understanding and knowledge. I may be a good nurse but He is the healer. We may have a big plan but God’s plan is way way bigger. Significant others may have turned their back on us but it’s okay.

God never leaves us, He sends someone to lend a helping hand. We never felt alone facing this battle.

My husband experienced the typical Covid-19 symptoms except for loss of taste and smell. When I saw that he started to exhibit difficulty of breathing, I know I need to be strong and hold on to my faith. He will get better and if not, I will remain trusting in the Lord.

As a caretaker, I also have to stay home and isolate to observe if I will get sick. Although it was quite challenging, I'm grateful for the daily harvest of my veggies and herbs in the garden. I make mint, oregano and lemon water for us to drink. I pick edible flowers from the garden and add them to our salad. Truly, gardening is relaxing and healing. Gardening gives joy to the heart.

With God's grace, my husband recovered. We would like to thank all the people who supported us during this challenging times.

With God's grace, Jonel got better.
We would like to thank all the people who supported us during this challenging times.

-- the end --

This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis.  The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.

“Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”