The Summer of COVID-19

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

Wisps of cooler air, autumn rain, fresh air instead of air conditioners at night signals the coming of fall and this writer is amazed and grateful to have survived the Summer of COVID 19. It was only last November 2019 that I was with a group of lovely women, triaipsing along Avenue L’Opera, the shopping street built by Napoleon 111 in Paris, France, and in February this year, that I traveled with Wolfgang, my son’s dad, to help settle his uncle’s estate in Dortmund, Germany, before the borders were closed for travel three weeks later, due to the worldwide pandemic known as COVID 19. This “novel virus” as it was called, came from China, and before anyone fully realized how deadly it really was, the United States started a quarantine lockdown state by state, beginning in New York City, then eventually, Illinois.

Daily news briefings and the internet was the only source of my own information. I struggled with the rest of my friends and family to make heads and tails of what was going on, and more importantly, how NOT to be a statistic in the virus’ lethal wake. As the numbers rose and the public learned to heed the medical community’s warnings, we had to adjust and survive. First, it was hand washing, then came social distancing, and finally the masks became our new, vital daily accessory. Everyone became keenly aware of their surroundings–sanitizing frequently, staying six feet apart from others, and slowly, small businesses, restaurants and schools shut down to stop the spread of contamination from this horrible death knell. Unemployment numbers rose, some small business totally shut down for good, and parents, as well as students struggled to find a way to continue with their education. It has been, and still is, a challenge to find a solution as the schools suspended re-opening for the fall.

And now here we are. As a real estate broker, I expected my business, like most, to be shut down due to public contact and possible contamination; however, the Governor ruled that we were part of the “essential workers” category, and that we needed to help keep the economy moving by continuing to assist our real estate clients. Coupled with the falling interest rates which currently is in a fifteen year low of UNDER 3% for a 30 year fixed mortgage, the market was abuzz with giddy buyers who finally found themselves for their dream homes. Add to that sellers that became nervous about diminishing buyers and reduced their prices, my sales soared this year and my schedule became the busiest I have ever been in the last few years since I changed companies. Sure, masks, gloves, disinfectant and taking separate cars became the new norm of showing homes, but staying safe was a priority for all parties. Sellers required health questionnaires and disclaimers to be filled out prior to approving the appointments, and buyers complied with no fuss, bringing their own paraphernalia of face coverings and hand sanitizers, gloves and their own cars. I am flabbergasted, thankful, but also mindful of the many that were negatively impacted by the virus, and so I have donated, prayed for, even privately helped others affected by this pandemic.

Where do we go from here? As my younger brother firmly declared, our only goal this year is to survive he said. I pondered on that statement for a moment and now agree totally, that until this vaccination is here and proven to curb the deadly effects of COVID 19, then yes, he is absolutely right, and survive we must indeed.

Finally, prayers for everyone to stay safe, and prayers for those who fell victim to this terrible virus and the sadness we now have to live with because of their demise. Gone too soon, and gone for no good reason, this is the curse of COVID 19. Until we find the cure which experts say will not be realistic, then at least let’s pray that we will have the vaccine to counter its deadly effects and make it manageable like the flu. As the Japanese have started to cope by learning to live with COVID 19, which they say is now part of our humanscape, keep your masks on, wash your hands often, keep six apart and we will hopefully see an alternate future where ALL of us will indeed survive, and hopefully start LIVING again.

Congrats to my brave Covid 19 era buyers Michael and Amy Regacho

Congratulations to our new North Barrington residents the Garcia’s of Makati—world renowned polo player Anthony Jr, Daddy Tony Sr and Andrew in front of their stately home