Everyday the Coronavirus pandemic is still dominating our headline news. In Europe it started in late February, in Chine it has been since the beginning of this year 2020.
It continues to send the global economy and daily life into turmoil, affecting more than 160 countries and as of today claiming more than 16,000 lives.
There are more than 380,000 confirmed cases worldwide.
Today is our fifth day of self quarantine, isolation from the outside world.
I hope you and your loved ones are safe.
::: HUMAN VS. MOTHER NATURE
This morning I saw devastating news on my friend’s Facebook post, her friend who was a professor at a university in the Philippines, 39 year old, died from an infection with the corona virus.
This unseen force doesn’t discriminate who you are, where you’re from, what you do.
It came with no warning, no army, no weaponries to paralyze humanity.
What a reminder of how fragile and vulnerable we are as a human being, often so arrogant.
::: PROTECT THE VULNERABLE
Living with incurable brain cancer for 3 years, I now receive treatment every 2 weeks, I am on cortisone steroid too, so my immune system is weakened. Thus, I fall into the high-risk groups.
Tomorrow, my best friend Kayan will fly back to Hongkong from Frankfurt. Originally, we wanted to see each other again here before she leaves, but we respect the guidance from the government to curb the spread and we choose to be sober minded and not being cavalier about it.
We did a video call to say goodbye.
So, please stay home for people like me.
Please protect the vulnerable ones.
::: SOLIDARITY
We are facing COVID-19, a pandemic out of our control.
Markets are stumbling;
Global trade is interrupted;
Stock markets continue to be very volatile,
Everyone is facing the risk exposed to the virus.
A lot of fear of the headlines, fear of the unknowns, and fear of this global uncertainty.
We’re struggling with physical distancing and social disconnection.
A lot of us are in lockdown right now;
A lot of us are staying at home;
A lot of us are facing the high possibility job loss;
A lot of us are facing the financial crisis;
A lot of us are trying to look out for ourselves.
The world is devastated, fighting COVID-19.
But the most devastating thing are the shaming ignorant and selfish reactions from ignorant and malevolent people, aka covidiots.
Is there still an opportunity yet to display compassion and humanity?
Yes.
My friends are absolutely incredible.
In Karlsruhe, a friend of mine was volunteering go grocery shopping for seniors.
In Jakarta, my high-school alumni group was organizing donations to help micro businesses (selling snacks) near our school.
These small kindnesses make a huge difference.
COVID-19 tries to zombify humanity.
But, I believe that the strength of the human spirit is stronger.
As long as we’re seeing with the eyes of our heart, and not with the eyes of a zombie, even in these dark days, we can help one another, we can have courage, and we can show our best selves as citizens of the world.
Friends,
choose love over fear.
Solidarity costs, but it is worth the investment.
We will rise together to get through this.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Love,
Titien
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45 ESV
::: UPDATE ABOUT ME
2 Years 10 Months Post Biopsy
Midline Pontine Glioblastoma/DIPG Grade IV
On March 18th, I received the 28th round of Avastin.
On April 1st, I will receive the 29th round of Avastin.
That week I’m scheduled to do an MRI too.
For now, I take 1.5 mg of dexamethasone daily, I cannot lower the dosage more. It helps slightly easing my symptoms, which are worsening quite fast (weakness of my right arm, tingling pain of my left arm, head pressure, balance issues, bowel issues, walking issues, fatigue, difficulty speaking, nasal voice, fits of laughter).
Please go to “My Medical History” for more details.
Thanks for keeping me in your prayers 🙏
PS: Thank you for reading, commenting and sharing my posts.
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