Cabin fever
ON virtual house arrest since last week, I am going through a difficult time, like the rest of mankind. How I wish I were on housewife arrest, but I have been widowered since 2007 and now realize, more than ever, that it is not good for a man or woman to be alone. Remember the vow on sickness and in health?
But, the internet and networks like ABS-CBN, CNN, BBC, etc., have kept us connected somehow.
Below, my exchange with my two eldest (grandchildren), aged 11 and 9, who live in Poblacion, Makati, while the rest of the nuke family are here in Palanan, Makati. I had told them: “I have not felt well since the beginning of this year. I am 80. However, teaching, conferring, litigating and dancexercising made life bearable. Now, this lockdown. I have had no fever, but started losing my appetite. Why, I do not know. I cannot see my doctors who are also on self-quarantine. I am also advised that hospital may be inferior to home at this time. So, the internet.”
Last Friday, from my eldest
apo, Rene 3rd, a grader: “Dear Rene,
”It’s me Tres. I miss you very much. I hope you and the family are safe and healthy. And remember to eat properly and stay healthy so you don’t get the virus. For us, we have been working out every day and taking our proper medicines. We hope you do the same. Today I learned about cabin fever and how it can affect people. Cabin fever is when you are confined in a place for a long time, which can make you irritable and impatient. We can avoid cabin fever by doing the things we enjoy and being respectful to other people. It’s bad so we hope you’re not suffering from it. Stay safe, lolo! ”Much love, Tres”
From his younger sister, Tala: “Dear Lolo Rene,
”I miss you a lot. I hope you are safe and healthy. Remember to eat properly and put on alcohol so you won’t get the virus. Back at Teresa, we have been working out a lot and taking proper medicines and practicing social distancing. I hope you’re doing the same. Today I learned about cabin fever and how to avoid it. Cabin fever is when you are confined in a place for a very long time and you get impatient. To avoid cabin fever you can try to stay active and be patient. I also learned that to avoid irritating other people you can try to stop forcing people to believe what you believe. I hope you’re not suffering from it because it’s pretty bad. Don’t forget to stay safe, lolo! (Please tell [cousin] dulcet i miss her. thanks!) ”Sincerely, Tala Saguisag” I emailed back:
“OK Jax (their Mom). But my immobility kinda further weakened me. I need to be moving, which going to court, meets, dancexercising, etc., provided. But, I have no staffer, including my driver. So, to walk around in. Not enough, I fear.
“But, the Lord never gives us a cross heavier than we can bear. So, I believe.”
When I last danced in the studio in front of Greenbelt 5, I exchanged pleasantries with the energetic leader of the band ( Mulatto). He was spirited on and off the stand. Then, I got news that Thursday of last week, he was gone. The virus does not respect anyone.
Why? Do I understand God? How can finite me understand the Infinite? What I know is we have a loving compassionate God, who has given me good children, (children-in-law) and apo, all jewels to live for. But, His will be done, to echo what Benedictine Sister Dolores Hart, the first woman Elvis Presley kissed on screen, who entered the nunnery at 23. Does she understand God, no she doesn’t, she acknowledges, for how can the finite fully understand the Infinite?
Exactly my feeling. But I feel also that we are not seeing the end of days. Another test of faith. To despair is to fall short. Let’s pray for our leaders and mankind.