Shattered by Pandemic

The pandemic breakout in last three years was highly unexpected for everyone. It showed us the true essence of life. None of us had expected such a disaster. The first wave was surrounded by lockdown. Everything was closed except emergency services. My work included it and had to go to work in those situations also. We had to ensure ventilators are made and adequately supplied. The first wave passed away in fear. Anyone who was detected positive was treated like an untouchable. No one was ready to offer any assistance to the affected person and family. There was dearth of food and basic necessities. As many lost work or source of income ,there was crisis. I tried to assist and gave away all my savings so that some could sustain. The amount was more than thirty lakhs but no one knew about it.  

Things opened up except malls, schools and theaters so that all could make a living. Then stuck the devastating second wave. Many of my colleagues, neighbors, relatives in age group of twenties and thirties lost their lives. Though we made sure ventilators were supplied to hospitals and areas converted as covid centres, there was always shortage as infection rate was much higher than supply. Some of our senior officers also couldn't survive.

They received all amenities but within two days their oxygen levels went down drastically and lives ended. The cremation was also very disheartening. Ambulances along with cremation packages came into effect. There was a long queue. Packages were offered and we had to choose based on the person's financial capability. No one could visit or see the succumbed individual. On reaching home all I could hear was sound of ambulances in neighborhood. The whatsApp groups only gave bad news. Some asking for help to get bed, financial assistance or indicating this person is no more etc.  

Many of my relatives also lost their lives leaving behind a nine year old daughter or son. Children became orphans and parents lost their children. In some cases people recovered but lost lives while driving due to heart attack. The reports in some cases could not detect infections.  

After this the environment was quite depressing. I stopped eating outside and carried home food. Drove myself to work and was careful as much as I could.  

This was followed by third wave where in people got infected but recovered. Casualty was negligible. Situation was under control.  

Today am happy to be alive. I realised that life is a blessing in itself and am grateful for it. The times in past years was very tough and heartbeat increased with every call or message. There were times when couldn't even sleep whole night and remained awake. It was a helpless situation but I remembered the famous quote " Tough times don't last but tough people do". Those who have survived this crisis realise every other problem is very small when compared to the pandemic crisis.