In these testing times, what matters is how tall we are able to stand in helping each other and providing comfort to others.
This story of a 32-year-old teacher, Luciana Lira from Hart Magnet Elementary in Stamford, Connecticut will restore your faith in humanity and love like no other.
On 4th April, Luciana received a call from the Zully, the mother of one of her students, Junior – a seven-year-old asylum seeker from Guatemala.
Zully explained to Luciana that she had, unfortunately, tested positive for COVID-19, was eight months pregnant and was going into labour. She and her husband, Marvin, knew no one else in the United States and had listed Luciana as an emergency contact.
Luciana immediately called Marvin to check on what the matter was. And from Marvin, she understood that both he and their son Junior were down with symptoms of the coronavirus and were awaiting results of the test. And, understandably, as a concerned father, Marvin was worried that the entire family might infect the new-born with the deadly virus.
And in the course of their phone call, Marvin asked her a shocking question – whether she would be able to take care of the new born until they received their test results?
And Luciana, in the blink of a minute, replied in the affirmative. Isn’t that an amazing and selfless gesture from the teacher?
Zully underwent an emergency C-section and delivered a baby boy called Neysel. And Luciana, being the temporary guardian, took the baby home to take care of it.
Meanwhile, Zully fell severely ill with the virus and had to be put on ventilator. Also, Marvin and Junior’s test results showed that they too were suffering from COVID-19.
All these unfortunate circumstances meant that Luciana would have to take care of baby Neysel for longer than originally anticipated. But, not for once did Luciana shirk any responsibility and she ensured that Neysel received the best care she could give.
As Zully’s condition improved, she was taken off the ventilator on 18th April and also managed to have a look at her new-born through a Zoom video call.
On 24th April, she was discharged from the hospital and came back home to Junior and Marvin. However, as the three are still suffering from the virus, Neysel is very much with Luciana.
And Luciana says that she is willing to take care of the baby until the family fully recovers!
While the pain of Zully cannot be fathomed, Luciana’s gesture of helping this family is outstanding. Isn’t this such a heartwarming and beautiful gesture?
What do you think? Do let us know your views in the comments section below.
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