Covid-19 has put so many families waiting in vain. The feeling of emptiness when you realized that this is supposed to be the time when you get to hug and kiss your family, but you can’t. You can’t because you live far away from them. And the pandemic has put an even longer distance between you. The feeling that you are eagerly yearning for their embrace but just impossible. Just impossible, for now!
Dear Survivor,
I haven’t really thought of writing to you nor sharing your own story with others, I just thought that this will somehow make you feel at ease even for just a moment.
Remember last year when you were cramming because your son had an allergy all over his body? I know you were scared. I know you tried to be calm for him. You called almost everyone you can. You searched every possible remedy you can do at home. And even without the help of anyone, you got through it. Your son got better.
Independence Day, the same day when everyone in your hometown would gather together to celebrate the feast of San Antonio. You saw your Facebook friends sharing photos and videos and how much fun they had. You wished you were there. Laughing, dancing, singing, and just spending crazy times with the family. But you weren’t. You weren’t there.
So you turned another year last year! I saw you crying. You cried because you wished you weren’t alone. But you weren’t. Remember you spent the entire day with your son? He was your person that day, and he will always be your person in all days of your life no matter what. So don’t you dare forget that!
Christmas came and then New Year. Oh, I get that. It’s pretty normal to get emotional especially during special holidays. It wasn’t a hundred percent Merry and Happy, I know. I felt what you felt. Remember before the countdown on New Year’s eve? You went outside the house with your son. You watched those beautiful fireworks together. Both of you were amazed and were laughing together until your 6-year-old son said, “I wish it’s not just the two of us Mommy!”. Tears fell down because you wished that too. You heartily wished that too. But you and your family were safe. That’s all that matters, right?
This pandemic took some of your good friends away, friends that you could not afford to lose. Friends that even though you weren’t able to see for some time, remain good friends. This pandemic challenged so many relationships. Patience and understanding, and loyalty are tested. This is so far the longest time you haven’t seen your life partner right? Yes, the longest since you met 11 years ago. I know it’s hard. A long-distance relationship is never easy. You believe that this will work, so this will work. Because the last time I checked? You’re both growing together and the relationship is growing stronger.
Oh, the beach! Remember that you grew up sneaking a quick swim in the ocean and ran back home so you won’t get caught by your parents but you still did because you’re already so dark? It was a fun childhood, right? But now, every time you see beach photos you’d rather cry. Because there’s no way for you to be on the beach right now. There’s no way for you to enjoy being on the beach sooner. I know it’s hard because you staying at home literally for more than a year is the total opposite of the real you. But you’re hanging on. Waiting may not always be a good thing, but it is a better thing right now.
You took one step higher already when you decided to pursue one of your dreams – that’s Chenina. Though it didn’t come as you expected it to be, it’s surviving. It’s progressing. And small progress is still progress. Just one step at a time. I am so proud of you. You may not be able to get it all according to your plan, but remember that God’s plan is always better than yours. Have faith in Him.
When you feel like crying for unknown reasons, then cry. It’s okay to let the tears roll over your beautiful face. You are not a robot. You are not a lifeless mannequin. So it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. It’s okay to worry, it’s okay to feel lonely, it’s okay to be sad and frown and get angry. Be emotional. Let it all out. But don’t let those negative emotions eat you. Release that psychic pain. You are strong and great. You are beautiful and needed.
This might take a long while. So please hold on a little longer. Online chats and video calls may not be enough to cure loneliness, but we’ll get through this together. Life plans may take a big pause for a while, but not forever. I know anything can happen at any time. But please wait a bit more. You’ve survived 2020, so there’s no way you can’t beat 2021.
Remember that there’s a past version of you that is so proud of how far you’ve come. And there will always be a future version of you that has so much to thank for.
Love,
Your present self – a survivor.
This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, and with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as a sponsor.
39 Comments
Keep safe everyone
Keep safe everyone
Sobrang blessed tayo dahil naexperienced natin maging malaya, gawin ang gusto natin at ienjoy ang nasa kapaligiran bago magpandemya.. nalulungkot ako dahil may anak ako na hindi pa nararanasan ito nawa’y mawala ang sakit na kumakalat at maenjoy muli ang kalikasan…
Nkakalungkot tlga isipin n Ang mga kabataan ngayon di na mkapunta NG school Gaya NG kabataan noon di mkapaglaro SA labas ,dmeng pinagbago Ang mga normal na Gawain noon di na nagawa ngayon bawat galaw my kaakibat na pangamba ,tanging dasal nlng SA panginoon Ang ating magagawa at maniwlang di Nia tayo pababayan ,at maraming salamat po SA mga taong tulad nio n wlang pakundangang mag share NG blessings SA panahon Ito godbless po.
Aww nalungkot ako dito,as I’m reading this diko maiwasan ikumpara ang noon at ngayon..ang laki na ng ipinagbago ng mundo,nakakalungkot na kung gaano kasaya ang kabataan ko at di siya nai experience ng mga anak ko dahil sa pandemic na Ito,dami plans na na cancel,may mga opportunity na di na maibabalik,mga buhay na nawala,mahirapan at gutom..ang daming challenge satin ng pandemic na ito,kung iisipin mo lang manlulumo ka nalang tlaga,pero I admire your strength ma’am despite the challenges brought to us by this situation,yes you survived..you will serve as our inspiration to survive too
Thanks for this mommy..always believed that God is really good! So proud of you all po..
Thanks for this message po. Indeed a Dear Survivor ❤️ So proud to all.
Thanks po.
Always believe that we can through this, and we have our Almighty God trust and have faith on him. Stay safe and stay healthy po, God bless ❤️
Basta ano mang pagsubok ang dumating satin anong mang hamon yan sa buhay lalo pat kasama natin ang ating pamilya lahat magiging magaan at harapin natin ito ng masaya o malungkot man tuloy parin tayo keep safe pa din po sa lahat ❤️☺️
Sobrang laking pagbabago kung ikokompara sa noon at ngayon. Pero kaya natin tong lahat, sobrang proud ako sa mga survivor. I agree na small progress is still a progress Appreciate it. Malalagpasan don natin to
Reading this blog has made me realize how valuable time is. It’s better to spend more time with the people you care about and create the best memories you can while you’re still here on Earth. Sharing your personal story demonstrates how resilient you are as a person. that no matter what circumstances arise, you will overcome them Keep up the good work, and may God bless you always.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful journey in this pandemic days po. yes, indeed it’s so hard to live with now a days full of worries, realization, anxiety etc. but for me as a Single Mom instead of stressing myself out it, I enjoyed everyday with my son, that which I experienced to be a “Full Time Mom” that was a very impossible for me as a Solo Parent. Because I need to go for Work for our needs. I am blessed I stayed with my parents during the pandemic and enjoyed everyday on it. During this pandemic we have strengthen our faith and trust to our all mighty God and I think that’s the God thing we realize and our ways to Be better. Godbless us all.
Na realize ko tuloy na marami pa palang pwedeng mangyari sa mundo thanks for sharing po
Mahirap talaga yung sitwasyon ngayon. Unlike before na kahit saan pwede kang pumunta with the kids. Ngayon with restrictions na, nakaka lungkot pero let’s see it nalang on the positive side para hindi tayo malungkot at don’t forget to pray always.
This is what we’ve been experiencing because of pandemic, I assure that this is not forever. Me, myself, even this is is a hard time for us I’m always looking for the positive effects or side of it. Just keep trusting God.
Oh, natouch naman ako sa story mo. Kaya natin to! Mahirap man yung sitwasyon natin ngayon, pasasaan ba at matatapos din yan. Manalig lang tayo palagi kay Lord and stay positive! Fighting!
Keep safe everyone
Keep safe everyone and always pray to Jesus Christ❤
Sa kabila po ng pinagdadaanan natin kay lord lang po tayo kumapit. Lagi po tayong mag dasal at mag pasalamat sa panginoon. Maya dahilan ang lahat kung bakit natin nararanasan ang lahat ng pag subok na ito. Di nman ibibgay ni lord kung di natin kaya. Ang mahalaga sa sa kanya tayo nag titiwala at naniniwala. At lagi po tayong mag iingat. Ingatan din po natin ang ating mga sarili.
We can make it. Just keep our faith strong ❤️❤️❤️❤️
We can make it. Just keep our faith strong ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I realized the importance of life by just reading this blog. I am really happy I knew and realized that life should be well taken care of despite the pandemic happening in the earth. Family, friends, etc. are blessings from above, and after reading this, I want to thank them for being there for me. Thank you for making this blog!
No matter what challenges came, always keep in mind to be strong ang be positive. Walang problema na di mo kayang lampasan. Thank you for this inspirational blog.
keep safe everyone
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story of yours Po. Your very brave. Humahanga Po ako Sa inyo!
Malaki talaga Ang nagawang pagbabago satin Ng pandemyang Ito. Maraming naapektuhan. Trabaho, pag-aaral, socializing, pati mentality Ng Tao. Maraming na depressed, nagkaroon Ng anxiety.
Kelangan Lang nating maging matatag para sating mga pamilya.. para sa sarili natin.. lilipas din toh.. makakaahon din Tayo! kAya LABAN Lang! PILIPINO TAYO! ANG MATATAPANG UMIIYAK PERO HINDI SUMUSUKO!
It”s sad but this is true.. We experienced a lot last year and we survived.. until now. financially broke.. but as long as healthy ang family ko.. i am okey. I just keep on praying and trusting GOD for HIS guidance. This pandemic taught us a lot of things.. to be better.. daughter, mom, wife and person. Stay Safe Everyone!
I’m a single mom at talagang ang laki ng epekto sa amin ng pandemic. Nawalan ako mg hanapbuhay na syang sumusuporta sa pangangailangan namin ng 3 kong anak. Sobrang hirap pero kinakaya ko. Mabuti nalang may ate ako na tumulong sa akin umahon ulit. Sobrang blessed ko pa rin talaga. Ganito man ang sitwasyon, nakasurvive parin ako, kami. Kaya laban lang mga mommies.
Nakakalungkot po talaga Mommy pero kakayanin at gagawin nating lahat para sa family natin lalo sa mga anak natin. Stay safe tayong lahat and Ingat palage.
Thanks for sharing this po♥️
Thank you Lord we survive 2020, and more coming days to come, magtiwala lang po tayo kay Lord matatapos din po itong lahat , Keep Safe every one♥️
Kaya natin to. Madami talaga ang nabago ng pandemic na ito. I have a friend na na depress talaga. Buti naka recover na sya ngayon. Keep the faith lang matatapos din ang pandemic na ito.
In this Times of Pandemic..Faith in God and Strenght lang talaga ang Kakapitan natin..Keep safe po always.And Remember everything will be alright soon
Keep praying lang po tayo always, God is in control. God bless everyone. ❤️
Kaya natin ito mga mommies! Trust the Lord and be happy and positive always.
This blog is super inspirational, all the things tackled in here enlightened me not only just a person but a living being here in the earth. Thank you for making me realize the importance of everything Ms. Che, I hope you’ll reach more people soon so that the messages of your blogs could educate not only me but other people too!
Always lang tayo magpray, wag mawalan ng pag asa mahirap man, kakayanin. ☺
Please take care everyone! Sending virtual hugs to all of you <3
Always think positive even negative vibes is coming to our way
I hope this pandemic will end. Sobrang dami na ng lesson at pain yung nararansan ng tao. Nakakamiss na din ang dati where you can enjoy and go anywhere without restriction.
Have faith to god we can make it. Treasure everg moment and set free all negative thoughts.
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