Day 118: The Next Pandemic
Day 118: July 22, 2020
Global Cases: 15, 365, 714; Deaths: 629, 358
Egypt Cases: 89, 745; Deaths: 4, 440
Ibrahim Aly
Communication and Media Arts Junior
Even though this pandemic has some positives and has taught us a lot, many people would still agree that it is indeed the worst experience of our lives. Being stuck in one place for a long time, while having constant fear and threat from a deadly virus is not something we would have hoped for.
However, many of us are lucky enough and blessed to be surrounded by loving and caring people. They are the ones who make everything easier and smoother, the ones who take care of you, the ones who protect and support you, the ones who make time go by that much faster.
My dad plays a huge role in keeping the family safe and stress-free during these terrible times. He knows that this pandemic could bring us down and make us lose hope, so he does everything he can to protect us.
The house is constantly filled with masks, gloves, ethyl alcohol, face shields, vitamins, supplements, immunity boosters, you name it. He always makes sure we are safe. Not only that, but he is our source of entertainment, too. Believe it or not, we got a little spoiled due to this pandemic. He got us a Ping Pong table, a basketball hoop, a badminton set, a mini home gym, and all kinds of cardboard games. (We’re kind of big sports fans).
My mom deserves credit, too. All the cakes she baked, all the food she cooked, and all the smoothies she made, were our natural supplements. Her love, her support, and her patience were our natural anti-depressants. Her extra hugs meant the world. Love you, mama.
Many of our parents have definitely made these hard times much easier. They did it in different forms and ways, but they all made sure to make us look forward and never give up. However, this got me thinking.
If there were to be another pandemic, will I be able to provide for my family? I mean, I can barely take care of myself now, how will I take care of a family of at least three people?
Is the next pandemic about a lack of commitment and responsibility? Will we be able to take care of our kids in the future as much as our parents do for us now? Will we be able to prioritize our kids’ health before ours? Will we be able to always be there for our kids? Will we be able to give them the love and support they need? Will we become successful parents too?
Our parents were once kids too, they worried about their future and their family’s future, but they surely did not sign up for a pandemic when they decided to have kids; however they’re still there when we need them. They’ve done great things and continue to do great things every day, just like heroes do.
Our parents have raised the bar way too high, and we should take notes.
To all the parents who have left us and who are still here with us, thank you.
For The Caravan‘s previous diary entries in Arabic and English go to our COVID-19 Special Coverage page.
