She has the name of Jesus’s mother, yes, her name is Mary. There is nothing religious nor biblical about this article, but everything to do with how a simple human being can make a difference to the community. Specially when there is so much of despair and desolation owning to the global pandemic. I have never seen a more smiling face in my life. And it is not that plastic smile that every front-line worker needs to wear almost like a mask. But a genuine one that reaches up to her eyes making every interaction pleasant and positive.
Mary started visiting our homes right after the peak of the Covid season, when the Government started rolling out several measures to arrest the spread of the pandemic. So, she was deputed by the Government, and was a health worked appointed by the local Corporation and not paid too handsomely, but moderately. Mary had an unpleasant task on hand, which is to go door to door every morning and check everyone in my neighbourhood for fever or other Covid symptoms.
She received mixed welcome from the people, as several found her to be intruding while some were non-committal. However, I was drawn to her because of her balanced and calm demeanor that let nothing ruffle her. She would drive in her scooter at the same time every day, get her paraphernalia in place, and start ringing the doorbells and wait patiently for the inmates to open.
She would never talk unnecessarily unless you ask her a question, but the smile was there always. She would get into small talk with you only if you were interested and would slowly excuse herself out after the pleasantries. She befriended my dog easily and the children of the apartment building easily. She organized special camps for us to be checked thoroughly and gave us free samples of vitamins and medicines.
Always dressed well, in elegant sarees and suits, with minimal jewelry brightening up her peaceful face, I began looking forward to meeting her every morning. When you complimented her on her looks, she would blush and smile more shyly. But I guess her beauty had nothing to do with the outfits she wore, instead it was all about the inner character, her maturity, her pride in her job, her sincere care to heal others and most importantly never complain about the being exposed to risk. As she was meeting dozens of people every day putting herself in the high risk category.
Which is why the name Mary suits her so very well.
Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay
