Rekindling hope

I would like to view life with hope. Hope in the midst of the non-changing trend of the pandemic. I say non-changing because everything is still anathema. And reading the news feels like a bad habit for there is not much we can see except COVID updates, politics and things that kindle our fears.

I miss the normal things we used to do. And I abhor the thought of not being to see the smiles that wreath a person’s face. Even through the attempts of some innovators to make masks that are transparent so lipsticks can still be appreciated (why not?), I continue to moon over unencumbered faces.

I miss the giggles and loud laughter among friends that make us bend over with gaiety.  The hugs and embraces that give comfort, joy, and peace. Oh! the many things we miss.

I miss the meetings where we could argue face to face, and the debates that lead us to make decisions together. I miss the parties of Press Freedom, the handshakes of the All Cebu Sports Awards honored athletes and their parents. I looked at my last post in our chat group, and my heart cried in reminiscence of the loss of a friend, Rico Navarro. At least he did not leave because of COVID!

I will miss the smile of yet another friend who we have just lost to the complications of COVID. Still young, with so many dreams yet to fulfill. We could just watch his up and down fight and heave surrender to God, not complaining, but seeking His peace and comfort over the bereaved family we could not even physically console. 

I miss travelling without having to be anxious about the person seated a seat away from you in the plane or on a boat or bus for that matter. Oh, I long for the banter in class among my young and vibrant students. The deeper relationships you develop with them as you learn from each other day by day.

Shaking off the creeping melancholia, I have decided to just continue to be hopeful. So I watch families go to work or grocery together, careful and watchful of each other, wary yet courteous to others. I see parents going home early so they can watch Netflix with their kids after dinner.  Moms and Dads having moments to bond with their children through cooking, board games or a row of computer battles. The blooming gardens, and people walking in their subdivisions or public open spaces to exercise and lead healthier lifestyles. People, now striving to spend more time with people. Getting connected through whatever means. Finding creative ways to celebrate life and move on in spite of the distance.

I have noted how humanity has become human again. Greetings more genuine. Concern even for the guards and salespersons one used to just pass off as part of the fixture of an edifice or a necessary element at work, more sincere and not mechanical.

The struggle to survive has made us more aware of doing things together. Of acknowledging that life is fragile and must be dealt with more gently, more meaningfully, more deeply. There is hope after all. And my heart smiles.