The past 100 days were not the easiest of days for me. Quarantined at home. Unable to freely do the things I love doing, such as mountain-climbing. No actual gatherings with family and friends. No church services. To top it all, I had to do video recordings. As if that was not enough, you can also add endless Zoom meetings to the list.

I’m sure a lot of people could come up with their own version of that list. The list of why they, too, struggled during the quarantine. Why some could probably still be struggling despite the transition to a general community quarantine.

Yet, despite the woes and struggles the quarantine brought, I must admit, it brought a ray of sunshine to my world. Priorities became clearer. The simplicity of life became apparent. Simple joys became huge delights. The value of relationships had more meaning.

I received a number of deliveries during this quarantine. The products we needed at home were ordered online and delivered. I also received different items from friends and family. Similarly, I had items especially delivered for them. It seems the quarantine brought to surface the care and thoughtfulness of people.

I was a recipient of some surprise deliveries. Just to be remembered brought a huge smile to my face. Such  deliveries often made my day. Those deliveries made the routine of every day less mundane.

Two of those deliveries were a highlight of my quarantined days. Because, on two separate occasions, I received “suman” and “kasuy” from Antipolo.

You’re probably wondering how such simple treats as rice cake and cashew nuts could make my day. Besides the joy of being thought of, those two items brought good childhood memories. You see, growing up, I always wanted my parents to come home with “pasalubong” or treats I used to call “uwi” (the literal verb used to bring something home). Papa used to bring those goodies home when I was young. Because I ended up liking them, these deliveries were doubly special.

This crisis has made a lot of things difficult. Yet, it also brought to mind everything that’s good. The things that truly matter. The “suman” and “kasuy” made me remember. The good things growing up. The childhood memories with my siblings and cousins. The wonders of being a child. The little surprises God could give in the midst of the storm. Because of these, I realize that God never forgets. He makes us feel His presence in these simple ways. And because of that, my quarantine days have become more memorable.

How about you? How was your quarantine?