When Corona visits so close to home.

World over we have been bombarded with the news of the novel coronavirus disease known as the covid19. An infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus spread from person to person.

Covid-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness.

The virus has sparked global anxiety and concern and has plunged the world into a pandemic and should you be reading this right now and are in good health, consider yourself blessed by God. Please do your best to keep it so.

I have noticed that unlike any other virus we have come to know, this COVID-19 from time of infection can in a short period of time easily cause death regardless of health status.

We must not live in fear, but it is paramount that for now, our survival depends on following set guidelines from renowned scientists and the World Health Organization (W.H.O) to keep extra hygiene, maintain social distancing, and avoid personal contact as best we can, also when in public spaces to wear a face mask covering the mouth and the nose.

For now, this seems our only line of defence.

Unless a trusted vaccine can be produced for now this is all we have.

Somehow as humans, we seem to have this notion that we will always be safe in our own environs, forgetting that in many ways we will be affected in some way by all that is around us.

I was awakened this morning by the sound of a woman wailing uncontrollably, that kind of sound you just know something has gone horribly wrong.

This was mother's best friend bellowing out, she had just received the news that her daughter had passed on. A young lady of 43 years living and working in Pretoria, South Africa had suddenly succumbed to the COVID-19.

Only diagnosed with the disease less than a month ago and was seemly a healthy woman with no known underlining illness (At least to our knowledge) suddenly taken away.

Patricia, my friend.

I was shaken by the news this morning; it will take a while to comprehend.

How could it be that such has happened to someone I have always known to be so attentive, so humble, and shy. For a moment I thought I was still dreaming. All the memories came rushing through me of walking to school together and helping each other with homework as we always shared the same class in high school, although we had known each other since we were 6 years old.

I profoundly remember the time we celebrated the excitement of my first job, and also remembered many years ago when you decided to leave the country, we even had a fair-well party for two to wish you well.

Over the years we may have seemly lost a constant contact but somehow within every year we always found ourselves catching up with events in our respective lives, and just looking back with laughter at the silly mistakes we both would have made, but always encouraging each other to be and do better.

I write this to remember you my friend you will never be forgotten, this pain will heal but your presence can never be replaced.

Open spaces

Inspiration for the need to write.

For the first time in a while, maybe in as much as seven months. Yesterday I got to be out of the city in a place about 15Km out of town on a small-holding farm. The only reason for my presence in those semi-wild environs was assisting a colleague, Uber driver equivalent just helping to get the veterinary man to attend to the livestock.

It has been a frantic week at work, working mainly around geriatrics can and will at most times put you on a roller coaster ride. But I do enjoy my work over the years it has opened a wider insight into my understanding and appreciation of history and could probably be the leading reason that sparked my found curiosity and interest especially into human history.

On arrival at the farm, I was made to feel at home and free to walk around the area.

It was a hot and dry afternoon but that did not stop me from walking around, my focus and curiosity centred around the vegetable garden. For me, this had to be the main attraction.

A larger part of the field covered with healthy tomato plants and at that time, early afternoon still getting watered the sight of sprinklers on these well-natured plants was mesmerizing and nostalgic.

On another section, there were other varieties growing, kale, spinach, and onions. it all made for an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction.

It could have been the sound of silence.

As I slowly made my way back up to the main house, I spotted a small gazebo and sitting area in the flower garden at the back of the house, I went on to make myself comfortable on the large swing chair.

It was at that moment I could only hear nature play her tune and as I soaked up the serenity, whatever seemed to trouble or worry my mind seemed futile.

It was in this moment I felt a need to write something, anything, I just felt it was the setting and the best thing to do in that kind of a moment, just write something, anything.

 I will return to that silence and find that word I need to write.

 “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison.