A ‘positive’ case

There is a global pandemic raging out there right now as I am jotting down these words. Since I was 14, I have always carried with me only the essentials for traveling purposes. Presently, one third of my essentials are in Albuquerque, USA, another portion is left in Ho Chi Minh City, while the final pile - namely my devices, a denim jacket and three pieces of pijama - are in Central Vietnam with my very confused self. It’s been quite dramatic.

There is an old saying that goes:

“May you live in interesting times.”

It has an impression of a blessing or warm regard, yet an ironic intention. While easy, tranquil and familiar paths can be uninteresting, interesting times indicate uncertainty, danger, chaotic and disruptive changes. How relevant that is right now.

As a coping mechanism, I quickly started doing what I do best - find a purpose that was bigger than the unbearable pain. That way, a pain could turn into a sacrifice, a bargain for the future instead of insufferable, pointless loss. Consequently, the gain started to reveal itself. It can even become joy.

The pandemic is undoubtedly devastating, yet it brought me the precious chance to deeply bond with my family, especially my baby sister. Since I was a little kid, I have always wanted to travel far away and explore different things. As my sister turned 7, I left home for boarding school and flew to the US after that. Our older brother was also away for college. I never thought much about our relationship because my sister always seemed to be just fine without me. Although she was always a sweet, excited, adorable puppy every time we met, I knew from experience how tough our parents could get. Now looking back, although it is fair to say that I completely took her for granted, what can anyone expect from a selfish and struggling teenager anyway?

(My big brother, baby sister and I preparing for dad's birthday party at home during COVID-19 pandemic)

Growing up far away from my family and living abroad alone certainly taught me profound lessons about the importance of human connections that last. My baby sister is becoming a teenager right now and I realize how fortunate it is that I can spend time with her during this time of her life. Has it not been for the pandemic, this would never be a possibility. While my exposure to adulthood is protected by her refreshing perspectives, playful and foolish attitude, Rua’s adolescence is less troublesome with the support and wisdom of her veteran sister.

From that perspective, this is indeed a positive case.