ANTIPOLO CITY- Challenges are a constant in life. And it is not the challenge that matters but how one reacts to it, according to a Greek philosopher.
Hospital employee, Cyrelle (not her real name) along with 14 other hospital workers contracted SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prompting the temporary closure of the government health facility they worked for. But instead of worrying about her condition and how this would affect her family, Cyrelle resorted to prayer, maintained a positive attitude and kept communication lines through video calls with her husband, two children and parents open during her 14-day isolation at her sister’s house.
“Nung nalaman kong nagpositive po ako, hindi ko pa matanggap kasi lahat ng safety precaution ay nagawa ko naman. Full pack ang vitamins ko at natutulog ako sa tamang oras at kumakain ng gulay at prutas. (I still couldn’t accept that I tested positive because I did all the safety precautions. I took my vitamins, slept on time and ate fruits and vegetables),” Cyrelle told Manila Bulletin.
Despite testing positive, Cyrelle is asymptomatic.
“What also kept me strong during my quarantine days, aside from the encouraging words and the virtual hugs from my family, was the power of prayer. I always think that what was happening to me was just a challenge, a challenge that I could face with His help,” Cyrelle said.
However, while under quarantine, Cyrelle learned that a ‘Tiktok’ Dance Challenge was being offered by the city government as part of the celebration of Civil Service Month. After a few practice, she uploaded her dance video that received more than 500 likes and positive comments and won her 3rd place.
But what made Cyrelle truly happy was not the cash price that came with the win but the news that her husband and parents tested negative for the virus on the day that is special among Catholics – September 8, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“After receiving my negative result, I went to Saint Anthony De Padua Church, and thank God for keeping me stronger and healthy and helping me to accept these challenges that He gave me,” Cyrelle told Manila Bulletin.