Not all Superheroes wear capes, some wear scrubs

A prayer that stayed from the early chapel visit days in the mind and that when uttered brought a lot of solaces:

Angel of God, who ought to be my guardian……

In these days of the pandemic as fear strikes the heart, the peering eyes look to the angel amongst the many we know and love. The guardians who we thought are with us, are not easily trusted by the mind. To each one their own as we read about how people abandon their near and dear ones and also of those who desire to be aloof. Where technology plays an important role in our lives in these times, a few choose not even to drop a line to the ones who need succour and solace the most. While others would go that extra mile and from who there were least expectations; who shadow you as far as they can. Recall those lines from air carriers when they say: Fasten your seat belt first and then assist the aged or children….was that a paradox, when we recall the air hostess’s voice before a flight? Well, the paradox seems well-practiced in these times. Summarised in the lines of Albert Camus (The Plague):

Nobody is capable of really thinking about anyone, even in the worst calamity

Contrary to this, there are remaining a few good samaritans who in their own way really think of others in these devastating times. They who deserve a few lines of appreciation…so let us be generous, guiltless and of a free disposition …..(Shakespeare)….

A doctor cousin of my husband takes it upon himself during these times to ensure that every single member of his family and that of the extended family is inoculated. He made it a point to ensure that families who were within his influence, wherever they are, close by or faraway in their villages or the towns were spoken to personally and encouraged to go for their vaccination. Those words that he spoke were so angelic and comforting as was the case with him even during the earlier Normal times. He took it upon himself to explain the entire benefit of the vaccine without referring to scary reports or the current malevolent TV that beamed all the horrifying cases. Making it a point to be personally there when those in his network, came for their jabs; he had a welcoming, composed demeanor and there was talk and discussion with each member about everything else but the pandemic. You never even got to know about the shot and thereafter after a 15mins banter; he quietly mentioned a few words of caution without making it sound acrimonious. But this gesture towards humanity did not end there. He goes a step forward and creates a small video as he addresses to his family and network about how not to panic during these times, precautions to be taken of quarantine and self-isolation measures, of medication and then reassures you about how he could be reached or his wife could be reached when in need.

I am sure, many other angels and guardians do their little bit for society in general, but then this one has always been an angel and a guardian to my family! Continue to be that Angel, who guards and directs us Dr. Nanda Kishore Alva, and may your tribe increase!