1. The best thing that happened to me in this pandemic is the realization of how vulnerable we are and how life can change in an instant. It made me appreciate the small things like waking up everyday, symptom-free. It is now back to basic for me...what is important now is the fact that I still have work and I can still buy food. Gone are the days when I used to splurge on designer bags, shoes and clothes since I only wear scrub suits and sneakers to work. I don't need to spend money on make-up since everyday my face is covered with mask and face shield.
2. I consider my profession as my strength. Being a pediatric hematologist dealing with cancer patients, I have no choice but to continue seeing them for their chemotherapy and procedures. Hence, I considered myself lucky since I am still earning enough money for the basic needs of my family and some extra to give for those who are affected by this crisis.
3. Last March, when an esteemed colleague and his wife succumbed to COVID, I panicked and went to hide in our house in the province. I stopped working and delayed the chemotherapy of my patients. I was depressed because I was scared of the unknown. I was so used to control over my schedules and this is something that is unprecedented. The magnitude of the problem was not even clear to me during that time. But after days of praying and reflecting, I realized that I cannot hide forever. And so, I went back to work again. I am still angry with the chinese, with the people who disregard safety protocols, with our leaders who kept on downplaying the situation. I still cannot forgive them. I only hope that I will emerge from this pandemic with a renewed appreciation for life.