Reflections on Life during a Pandemic
We have witnessed and experienced many levels of negativity, pain, and suffering during these times. And through this, we have discerned a deeper sense of respect, appreciation, and gratitude for all those who are pursuing this frontline battle against this virus: doctors, nurses, hospital staff, policemen, grocery store clerks, etc. This experience has also made us realize how extravagance is a mere illusion, and thus learned how to appreciate the simple things in life: quality time with our families, opportunities to learn new life skills, appreciating the true beauty of nature, or simply waking up to a new day in the morning knowing that you are well and healthy, with another chance to become a better version of yourself, and most importantly, to reconnect with God. We must never forget how our spiritual growth during times like these is ever so vital in overcoming these trials. For instance, I, along with my family and relatives, have made it a habit to pray the Rosary together every day. In these moments of prayer, we have reached a deeper understanding of how faith can be our key to perfect resilience and a reminder that there is always hope, that everything will pass. It is also through prayer that we are able to express our petitions and intentions that all may be safe from the devastating effects of this disease. This pandemic has also sparked kindness in each one of us, evident in the tremendous increase in the amount of volunteerism and charity work. People from all walks of life contributed by giving supplies to frontliners and helping those who lost their jobs, to lending a loving hand to those who are suffering from mental and psychological distress.
In every trial, a silver lining can be found. This should be no different from this pandemic experience. In one way or another, there will always be the byproducts of learning and embracing our longing for experiences and emotions. We are to always seek the sun beneath the dark clouds, the stars embedded in darkness, and the rainbow after the rain. With faith deeply rooted in God’s love, we will soon emerge victorious and more empathetic than ever. Until then, let us lift each other up, share God’s loving grace so that we could walk together towards a better world we have yet to discover. By Francesca Julia B. Punsalan Grade 9 student Mary Help of Christians School (Pampanga) ..................................................... I want to share the “miracle story” of my father. It all started on September 2, 2020, when my dad complained about stomach pain and vomiting. A few days later, my dad’s sickness got worse, and my mom called my godfather to take my dad to the hospital. The following day, His swab
test confirmed that he was positive for Covid-19.
He was sent to ICU because his condition was deteriorating; his condition was critical because of his chronic diseases (uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol). The doctor said that if his saturated blood oxygen continues to go down, his chances of surviving will be very slim. Meanwhile, my mother and I continued praying the rosary as often as we could. Then, the miracle happened, September 8, Mama Mary’s Birthday. My father’s condition suddenly improved, and they brought him to an isolation room. He felt Mama Mary’s touch that had given him the gift of healing. The doctor visited my dad and happily informed him of his remarkable and fast recovery. On his birthday, September 19, he was out of the hospital, completely cured of Covid-19 with no scars on his lungs. This experience strengthened our faith in and love for God. Miracles happen because we trust in the Lord. After all, we have devotion to Mama Mary, Help of Christians, and deeply believe in her powerful intercession. By Maree Clare S. Pulanco Grade 5 student Mary Help of Christians College (Laguna) ................................................ With all the worries this pandemic brought us, I stood firmly with my long-time belief that everything has an end making death one of the constant in this world. Death happens with or without a pandemic. It probably has made everyone paranoid. I also feared death. Because of the pandemic, I decided to live life slowly, savoring every moment of my life with my kids, my husband, my friends, and my family. Since I cannot be a full-time mom, the moments of Covid-19 gave me savoring moments with my kids. I started to enjoy playing with them and being groovy over their “kakulitan” without thinking of the paperwork and deadlines. I cannot stop death; God owns you and me. It is at this time that I let God do things beyond my control. See, we have an ending, and God is the only one who can tell when. Therefore, this pandemic will soon end in God’s time. It will meet its deadline. They may sound like cliché but, I believe at the end of the dark and lifeless tunnel is a ray of light that will guide us through the way and that there is a rainbow after the rain. Love conquers all. Make a life. Show kindness to one, and it will multiply. By Mrs. Nina Marie L. Pojas Teacher Mary Help of Christians School (Pampanga)
FMA Lifeline May 2020 - February 2021
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