The Virus - Chapter 13

How a Virus Changed the World …. for the Better ….

Chapter 13          A Fragmented World and the Need for Unity

Dr. Jolly was feeling good and recovering quickly. He was busy following the turn of events in various places worldwide while in constant communication with Dr. Weber, at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva regarding possible strategies and solutions to address the pandemic as it kept gaining momentum. His secretary, Malaika, was sending him daily reports from the New York office. So, even though, he was in quarantine, but the daily workload was more than ever before. Plus, he was trying to take care of his daughter, Jenna, who was recovering in quarantine with him and herself was busy doing research.

Maria was still in the hospital ICU in New York and Dr. Jolly was also really concerned about her. He was getting updates about her from Vahid who himself was in isolation at home in Atlanta.

In the morning Dr. Jolly got a message from him that Maria had been transferred out of ICU to a regular hospital unit.

Dr. Jolly called him immediately. “Hi Vahid, that’s great news. When was she moved out of the ICU?”

“Hi Tony, I just got the news. She is doing fine. She still needs to stay in the hospital for a few more days while being monitored. But the critical stage is over, thanks God.”

“That’s wonderful Vahid. So happy to hear that. How are you doing?”
“Well, following your example, our whole family is going vegan. I am taking probiotics and supplements and I gotta tell you, I think part of my quick recovery is because of the nutritious food and drinking lots of water. Of course, daily prayers and meditation has boosted my spirit tremendously. Feeling good Tony.”

“Wow, that’s perfect. I’m waiting to hear from Dr. Morrison and Dr. Mulungu about the impact of meditation and plant-based food on the immune system. Jenna told me about a retreat center in San Diego where they also use meditation and raw vegan food to detox and heal people with cancer and all kinds of health issues.” Dr. Jolly wrote a note to himself and then continued.

“In fact, I am writing a proposal which I will share with you in the next couple of days. We might need to try some non-traditional solutions to manage the pandemic. Essentially, we must look at the cause of the infection and of course it all comes down to the immune system.”

“Sounds good Tony, I am also talking to folks at CDC about some non-traditional remedies and should have something to share with you soon.”

Jenna was sitting nearby and shook her head in agreement. Dr. Jolly was happy to be spending time with her. Being together at the hotel in quarantine was a great opportunity for them to talk after being apart for a while. It seemed like they both had recovered and could leave the hotel as soon as the test result was negative.

Jenna was doing a lot of research herself. she was also writing stories and articles. Like her father, she was an idealist and totally open to new ideas. At her young age of 21, she already had experienced different cultures and had a lot to write about in a world of deeply entrenched ideologies where new ideas were difficult to promote or implement.

After dinner, Jenna went to the balcony where she had been writing something all day.

“What are you working on?” Dr. Jolly brought some fresh mango blend to where Jenna was sitting.

“Well, I’ve been doing some research on the latest innovations in different fields and exploring the changes that are needed worldwide. So, I’m taking notes and see if it could be turned into a story or possibly a novel. People seem to enjoy reading stories as opposed to concept papers.”

“That’s true. where do you feel change is most needed?” Dr. Jolly asked as he took a sip of the blend.

“Om… thanks for that question dad, but I must tell you something. Over the years, I have learned a lot from you. You have always been a visionary which has helped me to explore new ideas. Also, you are pretty much the only one that asks a lot of questions. Usually, everybody like to tell me what to do. Having said that, to answer your question…. “

Jenna went silent for a moment and then continued. “It seems like we need to look at the whole system, the education structure, the economic model, consumption, the way we live and how it’s causing conflicts, stress, disparity, poverty, pollution, and now this pandemic. It’s really like a domino effect. We seem to love the fragmented approach in everything we do which starts with the national boundaries and then goes into specialization in various industries and analyzing everything to death …. It’s time to develop a vision of life and what we wish to see. in Gandhi’s words, “be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Jenna continued after a short pause. “We need social harmony, prosperity for all and environmental sustainability. Basically, we all must consider living a holistic lifestyle. It's time to start a dialogue about why we are so divided, about extreme materialism, and ethnocentric sentiments. It’s time to move away from focusing on the symptoms of our social disease and get to the cause… like you were saying earlier on phone.”

“Wow, Jenna, I’m totally amazed at what you just said. Very few people have such deep understanding of our world today and even if they are aware of our challenges, they tend to be passive or just try to blend in.”

“That’s so true dad, thanks for your kind words. In fact, you have always encouraged me to keep an open mind and I love that about you. The only thing I hated as a child was when you and mom got divorced. Other than that, you’re my hero.”

“Wow, Jenna, this is the first time I hear you talk about the divorce.” Dr. Jolly closed his eyes and tried to get his thoughts together. “My dear Jenna, we should have talked earlier. I know I tried to explain to you back then and I remember you were quiet.”

Jenna listened carefully. “Oh…, dad, what do you expect from an 8-year-old? But I learned to live with the pain. However, you used to spend a lot of time with me and taking me places, which made up for the tough times.”

“Thanks, sweetheart, I must tell you that when your mom and I met it was love at first sight. It was wonderful in the beginning. We were so happy. But over the years we grew apart. I was so curious about everything, but she didn’t share my enthusiasm about new ideas. I wanted to explore the world of possibilities, but we could not communicate which was like being in the same room and yet far apart. So, gradually there was an invisible wall between us. Eventually we both agreed that it would be better to go our separate ways.”

Tears kept rolling down Dr. Jolly’s face as he took off his glasses and wiped his tears. Jenna put down her computer, got up and hugged her father as she also wept.

“I didn’t mean to make you cry dad; now I understand. I love you.”

“I love you too honey. I am glad we are spending time together and we can talk. This should have happened much earlier. But it’s never too late to learn and move on. In fact, I’m exploring some wonderful spiritual concepts about the importance of unity and harmony in life. Dr. Kaviani has been sending me passages from the Baha’i Writings which I would like to share with you. If you don’t mind.”

“Sure, I would love that. I know a little bit about Baha’i. They have a beautiful temple in the shape of a lotus flower in New Delhi.” Jenna Shared.

Dr. Jolly continued. “Here is a passage from the Baha’i Writings on unity which I have been meditating on.”

“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship. He Who is the Day Star of Truth beareth Me witness! So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth…. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”

“Wow, that’s beautiful dad, could you email me the passage.”

“Sure, honey, I will send you a link to the website. I think this is going to bring us closer together.”

In the morning, Jenna was listening and singing along with a beautiful song on her cellphone with the headphones on. Dr. Jolly was happy to see her in such good mood.

At breakfast Dr. Jolly continued.

“I want to talk to you about what you shared last night about fragmentation and the need for change. I’m totally with you on the need for change. The need for cohesion and unity in all aspects of life. Even though, it might take a long time, but we have to start somewhere.”

Jenna listened carefully. “Well, you’re right, dad, always the visionaries of the world have been the cause of change. A paradigm shift usually starts kind of slow like a rocket going to space and then when it reaches the orbit it just cruises along.”

“That’s so true, sweetheart, I’m so glad I decided to stay here in Mumbai. It was the best decision ever. You’re giving me a lot of inspiration. I’m writing these ideas and I hope you will join my meeting with Dr. Kaviani tomorrow.”

“Can’t wait to hear what you have in mind.” Jenna Responded.

© 2022 Ramses Rashidi