Facing the inevitable

 

“I am…inevitable!” said Thanos.

Avengers is one of the best hits in the movies. They are superheroes fighting to save the whole planet. Long after the chaos in Avengers: Infinity War, some of the Avengers vanished in the sky due to Thanos’ infinity gauntlet; not until the next sequel completed, the Endgame, Avengers assembled again and tried to beat their biggest foe – Thanos.

With the havoc that we are facing on COVID-19, everything appears similar in the movie. Countries are mourning, people are getting sick, and thousands of deaths recorded, as the strength of the virus seems to be very inevitable. Despite this, our front liners never gave up. They continue showing courage and compassion amid danger and uncertainty.

Indeed, the story of Coronavirus is real and tangible. Data from World Health Organization shows the virus spread to over 200 countries around the world. Even the most powerful and richest countries and strong leaders are not exempt. In Italy, the country has been on lockdown for more than four weeks since February. It has reported more than sixteen thousand deaths and above a hundred thousand of Coronavirus cases. While in the US, health authorities have identified more than three hundred thousand COVID-19 patients and over ten thousand deaths since January. In the UK, Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, tested positive for COVID-19.

Back in 2015, Microsoft co-founder and business magnate Bill Gates warned world leaders in a TED Talk to prepare for the next pandemic. In his talk, he stated if anything would kill ten million in the next few decades, it would be microbes, not missiles. “The real problem that we are facing is that we invest a lot in nuclear deterrents than improving healthcare systems,” said Gates. Despite these warning signs, many countries have been complacent. Hence, after the pandemic landed, many were not ready and prepared. As countries experience total lockdown that could last for months, economists are predicting of the possibility of a recession.

In our country, over three thousand COVID-19 positive cases are reported within 3 weeks since the enhanced community quarantine was implemented. Death toll hit over a hundred, and few recovered.

In the sequel of the Infinity War, the Avengers did not succeed over Thanos, therefore, Thanos falled to reign the whole planet. And, it left the earth and human race saddened and in tears. If nobody will pursue to stop Thanos from doing what he adores, it won’t give any chances to curb the virus. Thanos will continue to dominate the world and might reach the time where the Avengers will be gone one by one. This movie scenario can now be seen through the lens of the Coronavirus pandemic. People have now realized that having a strong healthcare system is very essential to combat the very powerful virus. Our front liners are the present day Avengers who can save the earth. Despite the lack of equipment, hospital beds and other challenges, they remain positive on this fight and continue to show a brave heart to face the enemy.

As they combat through the present health crisis, our frontliners are facing stress, worries, and anxiety. But, despite being prone to the virus, a 64-year-old Alita Gonzales, a nurse in Philippine General Hospital (PGH), continues to work to save others from COVID-19. In a Facebook post, her daughter Maricon Gonzales shared her mother’s story of being a nurse.

“My mom is a nurse. Only 11 months before her retirement. 64 years old and very prone to this COVID-19 virus. Despite all of these, she is very determined to go to work and help save lives. All of us in the family ask her to stay home due to the fear of her getting infected but nobody can stop her. Her only answer is ‘May sinumpaan kaming tungkulin sa bayan…’ Yes, that is how committed my mom is risking her life to save others…” she said.

Another story is a 34-year old cardiologist Dr. Israel Bactol who died of COVID-19 after his patient lied about her travel history. The Philippine Heart Center and the Philippine Heart Association mourned his death as the community lost a young and promising cardiologist.

“It is a sad day for the whole association as we have lost one of our own in the fight against COVID. He is a casualty of this war. We honor him as he lost his young life while fulfilling his duties as a doctor…. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Please pray for all our members and all other doctors and healthcare workers in the frontlines and all the people who are afflicted by the disease,” PHA said in its Facebook page. Upon reading this post, I remember how the strong and courageous Iron Man gave his own life to bring down Thanos and ended his life; the same sacrifices our front liners are doing now.

Imagine, if we lost many of the Avengers, who will save us today? It takes about 20 years to replace a doctor. They are the heroes with no name who are willing to sacrifice almost everything. They only have one request for the people: “We stay at work for you, you stay at home for us”.

Yes, Thanos is inevitable as he claims; indeed, COVID-19. The epic movie that made history in the entire world left the viewers with great thoughts. No matter how tough the enemy is, with strong faith, courage and determination, there is always hope. The Coronavirus might take several months or years before scientists find some drugs, vaccines, and tools to eradicate it but never doubt of its ending. This, too, shall pass. If we will work hand in hand, together we can beat the virus. We’ll get by, with a smile.

 

By Karl Einon T. De Belen

 

#inthistogether #viralkindness #flatteningthecurve #beatcovid19