A Blissful Sunday

And so this is Day 4 of Orly’s 14 days of self-quarantine. He was one of the lucky ones who were able to book their flights to return home with no fuss. And with him being alone there in Seattle (which was then still the US epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic), away from the rest of the family, was a very big concern for all of us. On the day he landed, the Australian government banned all international travel, so imagine how relieved we were that he was finally home. Right now, he is feeling fine, no symptoms have surfaced whatsoever, and we are hoping and praying that it stays that way for the next 10 days or so.

Keith’s university has also closed down as of last week after a student tested positive for the virus, so he is on a 2-week break before they restart classes at an online capacity at the end of the month. The government thinks that closing down high schools is not a necessary move for now, but because of Seth’s long commute to the city (where trains are packed in the morning), we decided to keep him at home, where he’s been studying and accessing online materials since the middle of last week. The situation is only going to get worse, and I hope they consider a more sensible measure soon. Our office has also mandated employees worldwide to work from home as of last week. I guess at this stage, I can still use the word lucky amidst all the unsettling circumstances around us, but I would rather use the word blessed. We are blessed to be in each other’s company now under one roof – blessed by God, the higher power who solely has the answers to all of the many questions that we have.

Since the day Orly arrived, I have longed to squeeze him tight, to find comfort in each other’s arms and express the overflowing joy I have of being reunited as a family. Unfortunately, that big, tight hug will just have to wait another week and a half. For now, the video calls, the quick social-distanced chats that take place at either end of the hallway, and the unspoken words every time we look each other in the eye, is enough, more than enough to express love, sadness, joy, disbelief and hope all at the same time.

We get updates on what’s happening around the world from TV news marathons and all the media that’s available online. Every day, there are a growing number of unexpected homecomings (like ours), new hygiene routines, cancelled plans, sporting activities, confusion and disappointments. There are families and friends who suddenly became not accessible, job uncertainties, depleting funds and bills piling up. We can only prepare ourselves for the worse.

I bought some canned vegetables, kitchen essentials, gloves, sanitiser and hand wash, just enough for 2 weeks. We have embraced the new hygiene routine of washing our hands more often. I think this is the easier part, at least from where we are.

Staying at home isn’t an issue for us either. Given the worsening conditions, there is no place I’d rather be. There are a lot of ways to keep ourselves busy and productive at home. Every corner of the house could use some tidying up. I just finished cleaning up the fridge, the pantry and the laundry room, and the list is still long. Keith is spending a lot of time in the kitchen, trying out some new plant-based recipes and we have been enjoying all his delicious and nutritious creations. There has been more time to exercise and take care of our bodies. Orly’s been giving our backyard lots of love since he arrived. There’s also more time for family games, movie time and quality time for each other. Even taking naps! What used to be a luxury before is something that I get to enjoy these days.

We connect with family and friends around the world through video calls and social media. Music fills our house with random singing, the soothing sound of guitars, the boys harmonising while keeping a safe distance from each other. Last night, Seth set up his bass guitar to jam with his dad and his brother, and together they made beautiful music. This is us, I suppose, trying to stay normal from the comfort of home.

When I woke up this morning, most of the things seem to appear normal, but not quite.  I was able to sleep in because the Sunday soccer games have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. We heard mass from the live YouTube feed from the Cathedral since all services in church have been ceased. All of these suggest that we are living in a time and space that is far from normal.

And so we ask, ‘What will happen next?’; ‘When will all of this end?’ I don’t have the answers. ‘How can I stay focused and be present and not live in fear?’ – I don’t know the answer to that as well, but I am trying. 

As I am writing this from our backyard porch, I can hear the birds chirping at the background. I can smell the sweet scent of the first gardenia that bloomed, signaling that the drought is really over. The sight of the rubber plant that I was able to rescue with its shiny leaves now serves as a daily dose of inspiration for me on resiliency.

Now that we have more time in our hands, let’s try to know ourselves better. Only with knowing who we really are and loving ourselves can we share love to others. Let’s cherish every moment given to us to strengthen our bond with the people who matter the most. Stay at home, get connected and be generous in offering random acts of kindness. Let’s continue to look out for each other; no one should feel alone in this crisis. If there is one gift that we can take away from all these chaos, it is the gift of awareness of how precious each day is. Look around you and listen. Despite everything, it is easy to see that today is a blissful Sunday. Keep the faith, remain hopeful, we will see through this together.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain