Selfless warriors, ‘heroes of the world!’

Take a minute, look at yourself in the mirror. You are caring, you are brave, you are important, you are special, you are a hero and you have proved it to the world!

We call you “Front line health workers” and during this period of COVID-19 pandemic, that has been the song, but do we understand your sacrifices? You have sacrificed your time, your families, and your physical health in your efforts to serve others. What you have done and have continued to do is commendable and I salute you!

You are the only direct contact with patients; you see them in pain and distress even to the point of their death but you have held back your tears and stayed strong and while this makes you vulnerable physically and mentally, you have not given up. 

We have been advised to stay safe indoors, businesses and other institutions have been shut in order to contain the virus, and we can only watch your selfless determination from a distance, in the news as you fearlessly offer your much-needed services from the front line.

It is not easy to be away from your families and loved ones, not because you are alone on holiday but because you are out there saving lives and not sure whether you will also be a victim of circumstances, never to see them again. You have done it and this sacrifice to humanity is priceless. The demise of some of your colleagues in their line of duty has neither stopped you nor has it instilled fear in you but you have continued courageously beyond the Call of Duty. The burden placed on you has been too difficult but you have proved to the world that you are up to the task.

In a memorial service, Hernando Hernandez Calleja who lost his brother due to COVID-19 said “More than kindness, more than love, compassion is the emotion that most makes us human. Compassion allows us to understand the pain of others, their thwarted aspirations, their sadness. That’s why I am asking today for your compassion”.

Let us all learn to be compassionate in our homes, community, society, and we shall make this world a better place. Selfless warriors, 'heroes of the world, I salute you!'