Greetings!
I had wanted to write a post before 2020 was over. Despite of the situations, deaths, and fear due to the pandemic, I saw lots of good happening around the world. I wanted to write a post of hope and gratitude. As days gone by, I realized I was not someone that could simply write something because I wanted to publish a post at year-end. I let it go, and chose to enjoy the holidays.
In the morning of January 2, 2021, I woke up with these words -
Life's challenges do not break us but build us.
How true it was! Despite of all the challenges due to covid-19, many people had risen up to face life's situations. Some college students founded the Farm Link Project. They collected produce from farms across USA, and distributed them to organizations that helped people in need. During this time, many schools chose to teach students remotely. Some fathers and grandfathers in different states began to make desks and give them to children in their neighborhood for free. They wanted the children to have their own desks at home so that they could focus on learning. Upon learning the news that there was a shortage of masks and protective equipment for healthcare / frontline workers, companies as well as individuals began making them and donated them to the hospitals. Due to the covid-19 situation, a teenager went to a store to buy grocery and brought them to his grandmother. He was a thoughtful young man. He began to think of other senior citizens that might be in a similar situation as his grandmother. Later, he and his friends volunteered to help other seniors just as he had helped his grandmother. The seniors gave them lists of what they wanted to buy from stores, and they delivered to them. These were just a few examples. There were numerous heartwarming stories of people helping and cheering for others. In time of great need, people became more innovative. New businesses and products came into being.
During the pandemic, the frontline workers such as nurses, doctors, and emergency operators worked extreme long hours in unthinkable stressful situations trying to help as much as they could. Sadly, some died while trying to assist those that had covid-19. Their service of love was not forgotten. On TV, I saw their loved ones and coworkers expressed grief over their deaths; meanwhile, they were also very proud of them. In some, I saw a steadiness in their eyes that they would follow their example and serve as they did.
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I did not finish writing because I soon realized I was having an allergic reaction ** to an antibiotic drug prescribed by the dentist. (I had a root canal a few days before the New Year Day.)
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January 5 was the Senate runoff election in Georgia. I lived an ordinary life. I watched TV and paid attention to what happened around the world.
The next day, Jan. 6, our family sat in front of the TV for hours watching what went on in the Capital. From the start, we wondered as many people did about the minimal presence of the police and guards.
One day, a loved one asked, "Next Wednesday will be the inauguration day. What do you think will happen?"
I said, "I don't know, but I hold the vision of peace." I did not explain that peace was not necessary what most people held in their mind. Peace is the knowing that all is well, and have faith that only good will come out of all situations.
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The Inauguration Day was now over. It went on smoothly. Earlier that day, the sky was gray and cloudy. For a brief while before the ceremony was about to begin, there were a few flurries. As if to signal a new beginning, the sky turned beautifully blue with lovely white clouds when the main events took place.
Many of us might not soon forget about Jan. 6. What was your / our reaction right after what had happened? Sometimes things happened for a reason. Did we see the positivity after the unrest? Congress worked long hours that night to show violence could not deter them from doing what needed to be done. Corporations took a stand against violence and falsehood. As most people chose peace over unrest and love over hatred, what happened that day brought forth unity in where we stood.
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Today I learned a relative who lived in another state had recently died of covid-19. Some months ago, I also learned a sister at the small church in another state had moved on. She was a retired nurse. She and her husband had done a lot for the church. All of us loved and respected her. She always called my name in a very special cheerful way that was truthful and uplifting. As a human being, I felt sad that she had moved on. Spiritually, I understood she had done all the good that she had come to do. She was truly a blessing to the church, the community, and all that had come to know her.
Over 2 million people have died of covid-19 worldwide. In USA, over 400,000 people have lost their lives due to the virus. It is natural that we feel sad over the deaths.
When my mother passed away, I cried and cried for 3 years whenever I thought of her. I saw her in my dreams smiling at me gently and lovingly. I woke up crying. I thought it was only a dream, and she was no longer with me. One day I came to the realization that my mother loved me and she would not want me to be sad. When I was going through the challenging time of my life, she showed me she was watching over me and my sons / her grandsons. (Re my post Happy Mother's Day )
I share with you my story because I want you to know that death is not the end. Those that love us (e.g. our family and loved ones) do not want us to be overwhelmed by grief or pain because of their passing. They love us and want us to be happy and well.
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Life's challenges do not break us but build us.
I find truth in these words, do you?
Love and Blessings,
Q of D
** In the early hours of the New Year Day, the itchiness at my back woke me up. I felt some rash in the center of my back between the shoulder blades. I could not sleep. I thought (or hoped) it would go away in the day. I failed to recognize that it was an allergic reaction to the antibiotic drug. I continued to take the drug (one in the morning and one at night). Soon I found hives all over the front and back of my body, and spread to my thighs and legs. I searched the Internet and learned some people had similar skin problem after taking the drug. My face and body were red. Luckily, I did not have other side effects such as a fever or diarrhea. I went through some sleepless nights, and eventually called the dentist. She was very nice and said I should have called her right away, no matter if it was late at night or a Saturday / Sunday. After taking the pill she prescribed, I was able to fall asleep. It took some days for the hives to disappear. I am well.
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