Caregiver

Two years of being stuck indoors seemed like a lifetime of imprisonment, especially for the septuagenarian couple, used to travelling. Throwing caution to the winds, on 2021 Christmas Eve, they accepted the invitation to attend high tea and participate in carol singing. An opportunity they wouldn't pass up, though Covid numbers were still on the rise.

Twice vaccinated earlier in the year, they continued the practice of wearing masks whenever stepping out of the home. To their surprise, except for a handful of guests, most had done away with masks. The couple arrived at the venue double-masked. As the evening progressed, they too in unguarded moments, flowed with the enthusiasm, taking off their masks to participate in the carol singing and entertainment program. There was high tea served at the table when masks were pulled down. Hellos and Goodbyes with handshaking had resumed. Social distancing was a thing of the past. It seemed impolite to turn down a handshake or accept a hug from a friend. 

Three days later, the elderly man developed the usual Covid symptoms, running a low-grade fever, cold and dry cough, and extreme fatigue. A self-kit test showed positive results. The elderly lady panicked and called up her daughter to convey the news. "I'm just keeping you informed. Don't panic. We have done online consultation with the doctor and she has prescribed all the necessary medication and follow-up tests. The clinic has also appointed a dedicated nurse who will be calling at intervals to check on him and remind us to give the medications. For the time being, we are good". 

"Nothing doing! I don't care what medical help you are receiving. I'm coming over to take care of you both" the daughter replied, putting down the phone without any chance of a further argument. Leaving her six-year-old son, in the care of her husband, she took the risk to come and stay with the elderly couple, despite having her health issues to deal with. She stayed for five days with her parents, cooking bland meals, serving them, staying awake all night in case of an emergency, risking herself being exposed and passing it on to her family. She took complete charge of her elderly parents, for a week. Once the test showed negative, she had to be persuaded to return to her home. Reluctantly, she left but continued sending homemade soups and checking in on them throughout the day.

We talk of the heroic deeds of doctors, nurses, and soldiers, here was a hero who risked her life to take care of her parents, knowing full well the outcome. God took care of her and her family. They were spared the infection. Good deeds never go unacknowledged as the elderly parents blessed her and her family for her supreme sacrifices during their illness.