Originally published on 5th July 2021 on rahulshanu.blogspot.com
It was mid-April when the Covid wave hit us and hit us hard. I was the first one to fall – scared for my family, I immediately went into self-quarantine mode. However, despite all the efforts it became evident that my wife and the little one may have fallen victim to the dreaded virus. The RT PCR tests confirmed this some days later.
With all of us down, my brother flew in immediately to take care of us. As all of us were covid positive, I moved back with my wife and kid. While they were stable, with each passing day it was becoming clear that I was not. My sister-in-law, who is a doctor, had got some tests and CT scan done and the results were not encouraging. My blood oxygen levels had started to dip and she also decided to fly in as the results made her worried.
I had to keep a brave face but knew that people were working in the background. My brother was trying to arrange oxygen cylinder for me in case of eventuality. Remember, these were the days when oxygen was not available so easily. This happened when he had gone downstairs to meet one of his friends trying to figure out a way to arrange oxygen for me. The little one who himself was not well was overwhelmed and quipped “Mummy is not well. Shanu is not well. And Chacha has gone to Patna. What will I do? I am too small.” We smiled at the statement and tried to comfort him by making him understand that his Chacha would be back soon.
While we were busy fighting the Covid and trying to protect our loved ones from its impact, we forgot that the little one was also fighting the same battle. He may be too small to make his concerns always visible but that innocent and emotional expression of helplessness laid bare his own conflicts.
P.S: I could only guess how he handled his own turmoil as that was the day when I finally had to go to hospital for a stay which was longer than anyone would have expected.
And now to the lessons. Son, there are two important lessons which we should all remember:
1. When you would go out in the real world, more often than not you would face situations when you would be expected to do work without being provided adequate resources. Just remember to raise your concern right there just as you did here
2. Despite best efforts, many a times you would not get the right resources, opportunities etc.; your hands would be tied; In those times just do not lose hope and try to make your way out. You would find that you would succeed many a times if you persevere and do not lose hope
