Good news

 My parents are finally home, after a week in hospital. Yesterday, there was some talk about discharging them soon, so the night nurse came to say goodbye. She hugged my mom, patted my dad on his cheek and asked them if they will forget her. 

"Will we ever forget you", responded by mom, who knew everything about this kind nurse, her huge family, and her precocious three-year-old. 

The nurses were kind and friendly, and not just to my parents. They were patient even with the difficult old lady who screamed and refused to eat, and the 40-something-year old who sobbed piteously into her mask. My parents will remember them forever, even though they will be unrecognisable without their PPE gear.

The doctors were no different. They were upfront about treatment, and open to questions. One had even waltzed in, to joyously tell them that they were ready to leave.

My parents were "uncle" and "aunty" to all, and the nurses said they prayed for their recovery. What a relief to be surrounded by kindness when you are going through an illness that not many understand.

This experience has made me realize that man is inherently empathetic. Even when my husband went to pick up that first report, the lady who handed him the report, assured him that there was nothing to fear. She told him tales of all the people who recovered and left each day. She told him emphatically that the statistics were good,  while he pondered over how he would give me the news. Before he left, she had even handed him a few face shields.

I surprisingly took the news rather well. I felt this sudden burst of positive energy, thanks to all those who were praying for us and counseling me. Despite praying fervently for a negative report, getting the opposite had somehow strengthened my faith. I felt a strange calm. I did tear up frequently, but I also believed God was in control now. And He was. 

From then on, I saw God's favor in everything. We got my parents a room together, in a hospital that was considered the best. They got there on time, so my Dad could get some oxygen therapy and recover, with my mom by his side. We prayed the nurses and doctors would be kind, and they were beyond kind, when they took on the guise of family for a week. Back home, we got the strongest support from neighbours, family, friends, the kids teachers, and the husband's boss. Even my maid called to ask me how she could help! I had to tell her quite vehemently, to stay away. We were enveloped in so much love, while dealing with a virus that had isolated so many.  All God's Grace! 

Now my parents are relieved to be at home. The authorities who promised to sanitize the house never showed up. So the husband had to take on that chore as well, which he probably did more meticulously.  Then he needed to go pick up my parents. He had to notify the local health officer before stepping out, and she relented, despite first enquiring if they couldn't return in a cab. Was followed was a patient lesson on how they were better, but probably not negative yet. They had 2 weeks of quarantine left. 

It's been a hectic day, but everyone is tucked in their beds, blissfully waiting for this period to pass. Praying the worst is over, and leaving all my apprehensions about not being able to check on my parents, to God. Like I am constantly telling myself, He is in control!