The Optimistic Seafarer Kenzo Elle M. Tolentino
Hugo opened the letter and it said, „POSITIVE.‟ His hazel brown eyes started to become watery and as he looked at his beautiful wife from afar, he burst into tears and put all his might to regain his presence of mind.
Even he had an idea how this came about, still he didn‟t know the exact action or gesture that made him get infected with COVID 19 knowing that all people he had close contact with were healthy-looking.
While questions of “hows” and “whys” went on banging in his confused mind, the medical personnel in their PPE suits led him in the ambulance car. He simply looked at his wife and said, “I‟m sorry.”
Hugo Persan is a father of three. He and his beautiful wife, Denice Persan, are blessed with two girls and one boy. Their eldest is Helena, aged 9, second is Henry, aged 6, and Hea, aged 1. They are a picture of a perfect family.
Hugo is a seafarer for almost a decade now. He has been to different European countries. The company where he works in provides its employees with the necessary benefits the employees deserve that makes him render a kind of service at its finest.
Hugo has a good learning attitude that‟s why even his co-employees respect him and has maintained rapport and harmonious working relationship with his superiors. His strength is his kindness that makes him loved by all.
Yet, his weakness is also his kindness that makes it hard for him to say „no‟ to whatever they ask of him. He wants to please everyone around him.
Denice, the wife of Hugo, is a simple homemaker. She used to be a private school teacher. The couple both agreed for Denice to stop working when God gave them their very first angel, Helena. From then on, she has become a happy and satisfied mother and wife.
Helena and Henry are both sent to a private school. Their school life has been so happy for they love learning. They are always excited to come to school to learn new things and enjoy the company of their teachers, friends, and classmates.
Even they are only average pupils, they see to it that they still do well in their studies for they want their mom and dad to feel proud since they are provided with everything they need- from food to school supplies.
The Persan Family lives a very comfortable life. They couldn‟t ask for more. They feel lucky that God has showered them with graces. They are grateful to God that‟s why even if they have everything they need, they never fail to acknowledge Him as their Divine Providence.
Everything that is going on in their lives seems to be in perfect harmony until the pandemic broke. It was in March when everyone was in shock and couldn‟t believe and comprehend what is happening around the globe.
Even the people seemed confused, they embraced the trend what they term as the „New Normal.‟ Just like the Persan Family, each member has been cooperative in adopting the changes in everyday life.
The kids stopped from going to school, they simply stayed at home. The mom has been so careful in going out to buy food supplies and other needs. Hugo was refrained from going home to enjoy his vacation with his family.
He was supposed to be home by April. He had no choice but to stay long being away from his family. It was heart-breaking but they accepted it.
The Persan Family was so careful in following the safety protocols. They made sure they wash their hands properly and always. They ate fruits and vegetables. The kids stayed at home and continued reading their books.
Mommy Denice saw to it that she wore her face mask, face shield, and brought her alcohol with her every time she went out. She also observed physical distancing when she was in the market and grocery store.
Daddy Hugo did the same while he was in the ship. It was difficult for everyone to overcome everything that went on but they had no choice but to survive even the loneliness they felt being away from the head of the family.
They continued reminding one another to stay strong every time they talked over the phone and through video calls. Such situation went on for months.
July! The much awaited date for the Persan Family! Hugo was able to go home but still needed to complete his fourteen-day quarantine in a hotel. The family didn‟t mind those days for they knew he was just a few miles away.
The family couldn‟t contain their happiness. They marked their calendar to count the days. Each day was an exciting day for them to look forward to. They prayed as well that their dad will get a negative result in his swab test.
Everything went on smoothly. Finally, the Persan Family were reunited. The quarantine period was over and Hugo got a negative result. They truly felt that God has been with them every moment of their lives.
They were able to get through it all. Every member of the family was healthy. Hugo planned to make the most out of his two-month vacation. And he did! He played with his kids. He read them stories, too.
He even prepared his family sumptuous food to eat. He helped his wife in the chores. They enjoyed every minute of being together with his beautiful family even in doing only simple things at home.
Helena said, “Dad and Mom, you‟re the best.” Hugo replied, “Thank you, our angel. This is because we all love you. ”Those lines painted sweet smiles on all their faces.
Then, one day in August, he received a call from his close friend, Steven, a seafarer, too, and invited him on his birthday. Hugo had a second thought of accepting the invite because he knew that it was not safe to go to any gathering.
But Steven insisted because he had only a week of vacation. Hugo‟s weakness was his kindness, too. It was hard for him to disappoint anyone close to him. So, even he was not sure he already said „yes‟ to Steven.
He just promised his wife that he would be careful and observe safety protocols strictly. The birthday celebration of Steven begun and Hugo came as well as their other friends.
The birthday celebrant was so happy when he saw his close friend Hugo whom he greeted from a distance. The celebration went on updating one another. Their bonding lasted for three hours.
Since Hugo came home, he started isolating himself. Even if he knew that he was careful still, he didn‟t want to put his family at risk. He slept in another room. His kids were asking why so they explained everything to them.
They were thankful that even days had passed Hugo was feeling strong and healthy. Then, an unexpected news came. His close friend underwent a swab test because it was mandatory for anyone who will go back to work.
Unfortunately, he had tested positive. He was asymptomatic. Hugo was one of his close contact. His name was included in the local government list to undergo swab test as well as his wife and kids.
When Hugo knew about this, he didn‟t know what to do as if his world went upside down. He wasn‟t only worried about himself but he was more frightened about his family‟s sake.
The Persan Family got tested and was put to quarantine in their own home while waiting for the results. Day and night, Hugo was crying. He remembered how they were cautious with the safety measures.
But now, he regretted because he put everything in vain. Luckily, his wife and kids didn‟t blame him at all. Two days after, their results came. Hugo opened the letter and it said, „POSITIVE.‟
His hazel brown eyes started to become watery and as he looked at his beautiful wife from afar, he burst into tears and put all his might to regain his presence of mind.
Even he had an idea how this came about, still he didn‟t know the exact action or gesture that made him get infected with COVID 19 knowing that all people he had close contact with were healthy-looking.
While questions of “hows” and “whys” went on banging in his confused mind, the medical personnel in their PPE suits led him in the ambulance car. He simply looked at his wife with tears flowing and said, “I‟m sorry.”
Good thing the results of his family were all NEGATIVE! That was a great relief on the part of Hugo.
Hugo was brought in a quarantine facility for he remained asymptomatic just like Steven and their other friends who went to the party. Staying alone in his room knowing that he was infected with the virus made him feel depressed.
Four days had passed still, he couldn‟t forgive himself for what he had done. But he wasn‟t blaming his close friend at all because he knew he was the person responsible for his actions and decisions.
A week after, Hugo heard his wife‟s and kids‟ voices over the phone. “Dad, be strong. We love you,” his son Henry said. Hea began talking, “Da, da, da.” Helena said, “Dad, we miss you and we pray for you always.”
Hugo couldn‟t help but to burst into tears. His wife begged him to help himself in recovering. That instead of feeling lonely and weak, he should start taking care of himself again like the way he used to do.
That‟s when he uttered, “I promise you, we will see each other again. I love you and I miss all of you.” The moment his phone hanged up, he got his rosary and began talking to God.
He poured his heart out even his fears for himself and family. That‟s when he felt relieved. He had hope. He pulled himself back together.
Then, the next day he began exercising, eating right, filling his mind a lot of happy thoughts like the great moments he had with his family, sleeping on time, and deepening his relationship with God.
He continued his day-to-day healthy routine with positive thinking. He was full of hope. He even shared his optimistic views and opinions to his friends whom he had communication with through phone.
He focused on his goal of returning to his beautiful family happy and healthy. He was doing his routine full of positivity. Then, came the result of his first swab test in the quarantine facility, it was negative.
He was so grateful to God for such grace. Another swab test was made. He continued to feel hopeful and optimistic. The negative result was obtained. His heart was full of joy.
Search
