Suiting to the Phase

“Where are you from doctor?” She asked with a weak smile on her face.
She was feeling breathless even after that single sentence she spoke but I could notice hope in her eyes. The hope that she found someone to communicate with. “Aunty do not speak if you are feeling breathless at rest. I shall teach you a few breathing exercises.”
She was waiting for the ‘exercise doctor’ so that she could start walking with her help and go back home soon! She had been admitted in hospital for almost a month and was frustrated being there. No patient wished to stay in hospital for such long duration.

Those were the days of our Covid duties. Exact a year ago, I had my hospital covid duty in 2020. That was the peak period of Covid where everyone was fearful. The situation was completely different from what it is now. Roads were empty, we could hardly find a couple of people outside, none could socialize and there were more number of emotions felt in the hospitals. Everyone around had so much of anxiety and lives were filled with uncertainties. But that was also the phase where everyone learned more about themselves. Many realized what self-introspection is.

Even I was one of them who was anxious, yet was very excited for my first covid duty. Excited, to wear that PPE for the first time and work to serve as a Covid warrior and anxious, thinking what if I transmit any infection to any of my family members. I remember a day before going for duty, I had asked my seniors and colleagues about all the necessary precautions pre and post duty. And had finally gained strength to face it all. The next day I went to the hospital where I was posted for duty. I wore the surgical scrubs with utmost precautions and finally took the PPE. I smiled. It was one of the most wonderful and proud feeling for me in the world.

There I entered the ICU after wearing the entire PPE kit. Within 5 minutes I was full of sweat. Because the patients had Covid and were critical, there was no chance of switching on the air conditioner. The only sound I could hear in the entire ICU was of ventilator machine beeps and monitoring devices. The patients were lying there helpless. Some filled with positive mindset that things will fall into place, some had almost lost hopes and had given up and some just wanted to move out of that ICU and meet their family members. I had been working in hospital postings since my under graduation days, which was almost since last five years. But that one day had so much to teach. Rather the entire pandemic had a lot to teach.

Those days of duties taught us how uncertain and unpredictable lives are. You never know what might happen the very next moment. There are so many different phases we go through. All phases are not always good. Some are bitter too. Hence, live every moment right now without dwelling in the past which cannot be changed and without being anxious about future which is going to be a beautiful surprise. After all we eventually learn to suit to every phase that comes along our way.

Have you been through any of such memorable phases filled with uncertainties and surprises. Tell me what do you think about it, in the comment section. Connect with me on Instagram- Natasha Tungare/