Past Struggles Helps Frontliner Prepare For COVID-19 Fight
After my husband’s death, my son would help me manage my stall in the market.
Thursday 20 May 2021 | 20:55
Nurse Shavnil Sharma’s (inset) sister Shivani Sharma and mother Seema Lal. Photo: Sampras Anand
Waking up at 4am daily to study for his nursing exams and prioritising his profession over all obstacles played a pivotal role in shaping Nurse Shavnil Sharma’s career.
This is Seema Lal’s belief of her son who is deployed in Lautoka from Labasa Hospital to strengthen the nation’s war against COVID-19.
He is part of the Fiji Emergency Medical Assistance Team (FEMAT) in Lautoka.
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Ms Lal said her son had adjusted himself to be a responsible and hardworking person ever since he was in Year 7 when his father died.
“Our three-member family which includes my daughter, Shivani Sharma, has gone through the struggles of living and managing our expenses without much assistance,” Ms Lal said.
This, she said, was a driving factor that challenged her two children to work hard and excel in their studies.
Ms Lal said his son’s daily routines while in Labasa had prepared him well to overcome challenges during 12-hour shift in Lautoka.
“After my husband’s death, my son would help me manage my stall in the market,” she said.
In Lautoka, her son would often call her each morning to check on both of them encouraging them that this crisis will pass.
Ms Lal reiterated that her son’s jovial personality allowed him to understand and acclimatise to the current COVID-19 environment in Lautoka.
“I urge all parents whose children are working as medical professionals during this time to be a pillar of strength whenever we talk or communicate with them, as this way they gain more confidence to work in these containment areas,” she added.
The family resides at Vunivau, Labasa which is a few kilometres from the Labasa Hospital and Town.
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