Cabaero: Covid for the soul

Cabaero: Covid for the soul

THE “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series carries stories about ordinary people able to help themselves and, in the process, motivate others. Chicken soup became synonymous with a cure-all, something taken when you’re ill or you want to feel better.

The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is the opposite because it kills people. But the pandemic is also having the effect of bringing families together and seeing members become closer to each other and to God. Those who neglected family turned into caring and responsible sons and daughters. Those who lacked compassion found it.

It is ironic that the disease, the quarantine or the fear of having a loved one infected by the novel coronavirus is pushing us to be compassionate and to rearrange priorities. They say there is a reason why we have the Covid-19 pandemic and that God designed it this way for a purpose. What that reason is we can find in these stories.

A son in his mid-30s used to spend his time with friends and masiao, a form of small-time gambling. His mother, close to hitting retirement age, complained that she cannot stop working as a teacher because she has to continue to support him. When the pandemic struck, something changed in the son. Staying with her and not leaving the house for months made him know her better and value her sacrifice. He found work in a farm. Now, he brings food and money to his mother. He stopped gambling.

In another family, a son fortunate enough to hold a top position in a business process outsourcing company felt his family and its extended members took advantage of him. He rejected their calls for financial help because to give in was to have them ask again and again. In clan gatherings such as Christmas, he avoided them because they would ask him for gifts and money. Then the Covid-19 pandemic happened. Being quarantined with family and spending time with his elderly parents, the son took charge of the household. He told his parents to not go out of the house and risk infection. He bought groceries, sent money to the province, ordered take-out food to be delivered to family members and had vitamins and fruits brought to an aunt who was in the hospital for Covid-19. He saw family not as a burden but an opportunity for him to help in this difficult time.

A resident doctor viewed his work at the hospital as nothing other than work. Dr. Janiel Aguilar got the virus in the hospital and almost died. He sees his survival as a “blessing from God” and a chance to be more caring. “Before, I just did my job. After my experience with Covid, I cared more for my patients. Before, I did the work because it was my job. Now, I do it because I care,” he said, as he vowed to teach patients how to get well.

These are stories I got directly or second-hand. Stories of people being transformed by what is happening. Inspiring stories, the kind that gives you the goosebumps. Tell me your story of how Covid-19 changed you and purified your soul, and I’ll tell you mine.

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