SURVIVOR’S TALE
(John Carlo Perez is a registered social worker by profession. He is also a college professor in various academic institutions in NCR and in Luzon. At present he is also a full-time staff of the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, SM Aura Premier, under the Catholic Diocese of Pasig.)
“The almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” (Lk. 1:49)
On August 26, 2020, I was cleared by my doctor after I got the test result that I am COVID-19 negative. Before that, I went through a long and lonely quarantine at home.
Being in quarantine and being COVID-positive was not easy.
It just started with a sore throat and fever which prompted me to seek medical attention because I thought it was just an ordinary tonsillitis which I always had during the rainy season. The doctor advised me to have a swab test because the symptoms were the same as COVID-19.
A swab test was performed and when the result came out I was positive for COVID-19.
The succeeding days of my quarantine became an experience of agony for me. Other symptoms started to emerge, such as cough, high fever, LBM, vomiting, loss of smell, loss of taste, and the worst of all, shortness of breath.
Amidst all those experiences, I continued with my medications and vitamins which were given to me by my doctor as well as with healthy food and lots of water even though I don’t have any more sense of taste for my food. My meals were just left at the door of my room by my mom.
Aside from those experiences, being alone in my room and hearing my mom worrying a lot about my condition added to my agony.
I also became worried that I would infect my parents. Good thing, they tested negative when the swab test was performed.
Thanks for a very good internet connection in our house we were able to communicate with one another in my family via video call even though I am just in my room. I was able to reach also some people, inform them about my condition and ask them to include me in their prayers.
However, even though it is an experience of physical agony for me, being COVID positive became spiritually enriching for me. Being in quarantine gave me time to reflect and do some spiritual readings.
If I will go back to those experiences during my quarantine, I am sure I would not have made it if not for the prayers especially during the times I experienced shortness of breath. I would grab my rosary and call on our Lord and our lady to assist me. They never failed me and I am very much thankful for that.
Also, I felt the unconditional love of God through neighbors, friends and other people around who sent their prayers and care for me and my family by texting, chat, video call as well as sending some food, fruits, and other items which helped me to regain my strength.
I am thankful to the Lord for this experience. Indeed, “He has done great things for me” and He made His presence felt all the more in my life.
I am thankful because He was able to reveal to me that I still have a mission to fulfill in this world.
It also made me aware of the reality of the virus. Let us continue to follow the protocols which were directed by the authorities. We should also have that positive outlook in life and faith in God that we can surpass every challenge that comes our way for He is our true refuge and strength.