Global Pandemic, and What Happened in a Parallel Reality During It

1.) I am learning to play the piano.

Back in early March, when we only felt the first signs of the pandemic, I started taking weekly piano lessons. Later, when I came home in the evenings to an empty apartment, I would play for hours to clear my mind and, even if only temporarily, focus on something other than our cases or other circumstances. I believe that without music, I would have been under medication long ago. Of course, without my piano teacher’s flexibility, creativity, and professionalism, I wouldn’t have gotten far either, so I am deeply grateful to them here for sometimes holding lessons at impossible times—sometimes via video, sometimes just audio—patiently answering questions, listening to my outbursts (sometimes about music, sometimes about other things), guiding me through my clumsiness, and teaching me persistently and determinedly. Thank you.

2.) I Have Become One Year Wiser

Probably the fact that I turned thirty (which holds significant meaning for most women), but certainly the circumstances also contributed to seeing the same things in a completely different light than a few months ago. Maybe not wiser (though I would like to believe I am at least a little), but definitely more experienced and thoughtful. I have learned to let go of some things and to appreciate others. I have learned to say no (which is sometimes the hardest), and I have become brave enough to say yes (which sometimes requires sheer boldness).

3.) Ruben’s Birthday

I’ve written about this before, but I still want to recall the morning of his birthday. I remember we were facing a tough day at the hospital and had agreed in advance that I could leave by 6 o’clock to join the celebration (just like on Ru’s name day, for which I am very grateful to my boss, the hospital’s chief medical director—and for so many other things as well, while we’re at it). That morning, I woke up early to arrive on time, and to have a moment before that to go to the sleeping Ruben and prepare a little surprise package for him as a birthday mood-setter: a letter, a bar of special chocolate, and a birthday badge to remind him all day that this is his day!

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4.) Mother’s Day

What was Mother’s Day like during the virus…? It was like a 9 on the Richter scale earthquake, with my soul as the epicenter. Some things change, but some things are eternal. This holiday reminded me of that at just the right time.

5.) Children’s Day…

…which, amid everything, was not about photos but hugs, kisses, and the emotional recharge of a mother worn out by the big hospital rush, coming from a little boy who smells like a day’s freshness ♥

6.) Motobike Afternoon

Finally, my dad and I got to go for a little ride, which, although not as adventure-filled as it used to be, still became an unforgettable experience. In these past few months, I barely had time for anything other than work, and whatever free time I had, I spent with Ruben. But this motorcycle afternoon was all about them, and we really needed it 🙂

Dated: July 7, 2020