It has only been 6 months since I passed my medical board exam. Finally, here I am now, the doctor I always wanted to be, ready to be of service to humanity. But when the news about COVID-19 broke out, I saw that as confirmed cases and deaths started to rise, several healthcare workers, especially doctors, became also infected and later died due to the novel coronavirus. Suddenly becoming a medical frontliner, I was assailed by many thoughts.

I am young. I haven’t even started training yet. I have so many plans but it was never my plan to serve my fellowmen today and die the next day. I couldn’t sleep well at night with lots of questions running through my head: What if the patient I saw today lied about her history? What if he really has the virus and I also have it now? What if I get exposed and have to be quarantined? Who will take care of my family’s needs?

However, what scared me the most was thinking that I might contract COVID-19 in the hospital and bring it home. I feared infecting both my parents who are quite vulnerable, as well as my grandmother and siblings at home. I already thought about not going home until this pandemic has ended. I couldn’t even think about not going to duty which is rather an easy way out. But truly, God never abandons us. He is always there and listens to our prayers. We only need to have faith, a faith that’s greater than our fears.

My parents and siblings prepared an isolated room for me at home. They prepared a foot bath and separated my eating utensils so that I would not worry about infecting people at home. My dad would continue to bring me to the hospital and pick me up after my daily shift.

Suddenly, blessings started pouring in: food, disinfectants, PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment), transport service, and even words of encouragement. Every time I returned home from duty, despite my being so tired and sleepy, my mom, my sister and I would pray the rosary. It calms me down and helps me rest well at night. All these were manifestations of God’s immense love. As a result, I began to worry less. My fears faded and I found peace of mind. I know in my heart that a lot of people are praying for the whole world, for everyone’s safety. This has given me confidence every time I go on duty. And with all the love I am constantly receiving, I could not but give back by loving in simple but concrete ways.

On my day-off, I would help pack relief goods for the poor, distributing them in different parts of Aklan. In my every encounter with people, I would see Jesus who is hungry and suffering. At once, I wanted to embrace that suffering as my own, step out of my own comfort and safety zone to be able to love Jesus in them. This gave me great joy and I am thankful for this chance to love. As I gave online medical consultations for free, the people would offer me a prayer in return. For me, this was more than enough.

On a personal level, I also love to cook something special for the family during my days off, shop for groceries, medicine, and other home needs so they don’t have to go out and be exposed to the virus. I’ve learned so much and am still learning from these pandemic challenges. Many things I used to consider important, I now consider unnecessary.

Faith and love are truly the only things that matter. Each day reminds me of the boundless love of my family, relatives, and friends. They have helped me overcome my fears and transformed them into complete trust in God’s immense love.

Chiarella Gracia Lumio