Lest we forget

The pandemic has changed the way the world works, let’s not forget what it meant to each of us. April 2021 changed the course of my life. My days began at 6 AM calling the BBMP Covid Helpline. After multiple pleas with the telecaller, I would call the patient’s family # to convey the sad news that there were still no beds available. On the other side was a disappointed family member or friend, still clinging on to the hope that their loved one could be saved or one mourning the loss of someone who died because of lack of timely medical aid.

I was restless, helpless, angry! I wanted to do something. I waited and then one day, I had my calling and I signed up as a volunteer at a covid ward in a hospital in Bangalore. This was at a time when the medical fraternity too were under immense stress. They were getting infected, those left behind were working endless shifts., exhausted to the core. They needed help. I got opportunity through our religious community and what I experienced changed my life forever.

 Over the next few days, I hope you join me as I walk down this path of self-discovery, gratitude, fulfilment, love, service and contentment.  

It was my first day at the hospital. Donning my PPE of 13 items, all covered up from head to toe to ensure no part of our body was exposed to the virus. It was suffocating. My respect for the medical staff went up a 100 notches just imagining how they had spent the last year this way. I realized the selfless service everyone at a hospital puts in for the wellbeing of another.

The first task I had was to help a nurse wrap the mortal remains of a person who had died. I almost froze for a few seconds but swung in to help with absolutely no emotion on my face but inside my mind ran at a 1000 miles per hour with various scenes flashing in front of my eyes.

 I realized I was carrying someone packed in layers of plastic from head to toe. If not for the hospital labelling, you wouldn't know who's inside. A life that was there when I walked in at the start of my shift was not there when I walked out. Such is the ‘fragility of life’. I saw patients whose condition changed from being 'ok' to being 'critical' in a matter of minutes. When things can change so drastically and forever, what do we hold on to or what do we take with us.

As the stretcher was being wheeled out, I was imagining what the person last words may have been, did she even have a chance to say anything, what could her family be feeling, what did they last say to her. I hope she felt love before she breathed her last. We don't know our last breath but we can be kind and loving starting today. Show love in every way you can, even if it's a stranger. That's the only thing people need today. We all can make a difference.

While I left for the day that day, I tightly held the hands of a woman who I knew was losing the fight. I whispered to her that I'd meet her the next day. She faintly smiled. 

#bethechange