Life still goes on – Life in COVID-19 era
‘It’s easier said than done’, were the exact words said by one youth who lost both parents to COVID-19. Tadiwa was one of the children who always testify the goodness of God as he practically lacked nothing before the death of his parents. He lost his parents to COVID-19 and since then life wasn’t the same for him. For people who try to comfort him saying life still goes on even after parent’s death, did not really understand how it feels to lose everything.
By Jesman Kennedy (Youth Facilitator-Nyanyadzi Youth Centre)
Tadiwa believed the words ‘life still goes on’ only apply to the one who is not directly involved in the situation. “There are mere words said to comfort people but in real life, it’s just easily said than done” claimed Tadiwa. He said that the thought of living life without his loving parents was actually an indication that there life can be difficult without your parents. He usually claimed that life means ‘Living In a Favorable Environment’ which definitely included his parents. Thus, he ended up doing things that put his life in danger like abusing drugs claiming its better to die and join his parents. Observing Covid-19 prevention measures like washing hands and wearing mask was actually news for another day for him. He used to claim that it will be even great if he got infected with it and also die and join his parents.
Unfortunately for him, his wish came true and got tested covid-19 and received a positive barely 4 months after his parent’s death. However, he was fortunate enough to recover from it and managed to come back home after being hospitalized. Tadiwa however, surprised everyone especially his peers as he was the one encouraging them to live a health life and always try their best to protect themselves from Covid-19. He confessed that after seeing so many people suffering from the virus and still prays and hopes for more life made him change his mind. Thus, the words ‘life still goes on’ do not necessarily mean one has to forget what happened in the past but that one can actually try to face the future despite what happened in the past because the future will show up a bright light of hope if one makes informed decision and maintains good behavior.