Reconnecting with our community one (physically-distanced) encounter at a time

#InTouchStoriesofHope

By: Gazelle Serrano

In Touch Mental Health Volunteer

Photo by United Nations COVID-19 Response on Unsplash

It was like any other grocery trips I have made in the past, the sweltering heat of the afternoon broken only by the comforting blow of breeze that came from time to time. I stood waiting in front of the grocery store as my brother finished his ATM transaction. At times like this, one would rather stay put in a comfortable corner and not dare the heat to work its magic in making you sweat buckets in no time at all. 

This afternoon had something different though. There was a man nearby holding a couple of plastic bags encasing bundles of okra. He was selling it to anyone who entered or exited the grocery store, stretching his arms to showcase the bright green vegetable to people who spared him a quick gaze as they walked by. Stirred by his earnestness, I approached gingerly, hesitant at first, but finally making up

my mind to buy his produce as I neared him. The lady in front of me must have been equally stirred, though, as she purchased all the goods he was holding before I can even traverse the remaining distance. When I asked him if he still had some remaining produce to sell, he cheerfully showed me the empty makeshift basket strapped to his bike, and replied, “Naku, ubos na, Ma’am”. I can sense the triumphant smile behind his face mask. He gets to go home early on this good day.

The encounter would have ended there, but he surprised me with a small chat before we parted ways. Mindful to observe physical distancing as we talked, he shared about how he was actually helping sell his neighbor’s garden produce by coming to the same spot in front of the grocery store every day with the fresh harvest in tow. I smiled at that thought. Here was a man who stayed in touch with his neighbors, lending a helping hand in ways that he could, inviting us to reignite our sense of community one bag of okra at a time.

Just like that, I came home from that grocery trip with a smile and a gentle reminder that we do not need to wait for the day when we can finally hold grand get together events, volunteer drives or big social ceremonies to revive the life of our community. It is already alive in every simple encounter we have, perhaps with our neighbor or the delivery guy knocking on our door. Greet them back warmly, have a small chat, and send them off with a smile. Observe the safety measures in place while making the most out of these brief moments. After all, you are a vein through which the life of the community flows. Let that life flow freely.

---

#InTouchStoriesofHope aims to bring you mental and emotional relief during the COVID-19 pandemic through the inspiring stories and perspectives of In Touch community of counselors, volunteers, partners, and clients.

​Gazelle Serrano is a mental health (MH) advocate who believes in the invaluable contribution of the arts in fostering support for the MH cause. Since 2016, she has lent her stories to various events that splash together the arts and MH advocacy, some of which include Buhay Movement's open mic events, van Gogh is Bipolar's Love Project and Daniel dela Cruz' Finding the Light Testimonials. Gazelle volunteers with In Touch Community Services for its Community Support Program.
​