Greeting dear Hiveans and members of the silver bloggers community. Here is another interesting tital by @ericvancewalton for #memoirmobday community. Here goes the question_
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚-𝙥𝙖𝙢𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙?
There are certain phases in life that become etched in our hearts, moments so precious that we long to relive them. For me, the pre-pandemic world was one such golden time, a period filled with happiness, stability, and purpose. Before COVID-19 turned our lives upside down, I was a teacher in the Gulf, living with my family, deeply engrossed in my work, and enjoying a balanced and fulfilling life.
Life Before the Pandemic: A Beautiful Routine
My days were full of energy and enthusiasm. I loved my job, and each morning brought a sense of excitement as I stepped into my classroom, ready to teach, interact with students, and work alongside my colleagues. The school was not just a workplace; it was a second home where I built meaningful relationships with my students and fellow teachers. We shared our joys, supported each other through challenges, and celebrated every little achievement together.
The environment was dynamic ,preparing lesson plans, participating in school events, helping students grow, and enjoying the camaraderie of my colleagues. There was a sense of structure in my life, a routine that kept me engaged, both mentally and physically. At home, life was just as fulfilling ,spending time with family, managing household responsibilities, and cherishing small but meaningful moments with neighbors and friends.
A Sudden Shift: Returning to India
Just before the pandemic struck, my mother fell ill, and I had to return to India to be by her side. It was a difficult decision, but I had no idea how drastically my life was about to change. Soon after I arrived, the world went into lockdown, and all travel came to a halt. What I thought would be a temporary visit turned into a permanent stay, and I found myself unable to return to my job, my home, and the life I had built in the Gulf.
Then came the biggest heartbreak ,I lost my mother during this difficult time. The grief was overwhelming, and the stress affected my health to the extent that I suffered a stroke. Everything seemed to fall apart at once, and I was left struggling to cope with the emotional and physical challenges that followed.
The Void That Remains
Even today, I deeply miss my job, my students, and my colleagues. I miss the sense of belonging, the purpose, and the routine that once made my days meaningful. Watching children go to school or seeing people travel back and forth from the Gulf brings a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of the life I had and the dreams I had built.
Life now feels different—less structured, less energetic, and sometimes even empty. While I cherish my time with my family, there is a part of me that longs for the past, for the vibrant and fulfilling life I once had.
A Shared Experience
I know I am not alone in feeling this way. The pandemic changed lives across the world, forcing many of us to leave behind jobs, dreams, and loved ones. It reshaped our realities in ways we never imagined. If you, too, have experienced such a shift, I hope my words resonate with you.
What do you miss the most about the pre-pandemic world? I would love to hear your thoughts.
