One of the most heart-wrenching things I had to do in recent years was to to, physically, stay away from my family.
It started in the middle of last year, when the pandemic reached, a serious level.
I made this choice not because I was afraid of getting infected but the other way around around, I work in a hospital.
So So, I get exposed to sick people.
I don't want to bring I want to avoid bringing the disease to them.
At first.
I didn't tell anybody that I planned to cut physical contact with them.
For the meantime.
My parents were the first to notice it.
So, I had to explain my decision to them.
Of course, they tried to understand my decision, but I felt that they were not happy about it.
I keep in touch online, but I haven't visited them in months, even though they live only half an hour away.
We are so near yet.
So far So far, off are staying away is a challenging decision because I'm a family-oriented person.
I grew up very close, not only to my parents and brothers, but also to my uncles, aunties and khong Kong.
Things before covid-19 COVID-19, we even had monthly family days, when we would get together just to share meals and catch up.
It's even more difficult now because some relatives continue to gather together join often forgetting to wear face masks and take other precautions.
I see their pictures on social media and I feel envious, but a bit disappointed, at the same time.
I feel terrible that I had to do this, but we have to sacrifice for those.
We love.
I feel lonely all the time, but I just distract myself with work.
I can stay away from them.
If it means they will stay healthy.
I pray our scientists find a cure for covid-19 COVID-19.
In my wish that our loved ones will still be alive and healthy to see that day.