Page 8 - April 2020 Ulupono

Navigating Stressful Seasons:
What I learned from SARS, the first pandemic of the 21st Century
by Emory Gaskins, Chaplain
In 2003 my family lived in Hong Kong where the SARS epidemic started. A city of eight million people packed into a space two thirds the size of O‘ahu, Hong Kong came to a standstill.
The airport, restaurants and streets were empty. Meetings were canceled. Businesses were hurting. Hospitals were scrambling to respond. Trips were postponed. People were quarantined. School was out for nine long weeks for our three children. People had more questions than answers about this new virus and lived in fear of contracting SARS
or passing it on to others. Masks were the norm. Sound familiar?
Our family was able to make it through the SARS epidemic. I wasn’t in the healthcare field then, but there were seven practices we developed that I hope will help you as you meet the challenges of this current pandemic.
1. Believe God and talk to Him. He is compassionately aware of all we are experiencing. This doesn’t mean we are granted immunity from trouble or disease but telling God how we feel helps us give voice to our fears and experience God’s peace.
2. Do everything you can to be safe and careful. Share with your loved ones how you are doing this.
3. Limit the news. Bad news upon bad news creates anxiety.
4. Feed your soul. Pay attention to what will renew and redirect you. For me, it is Scripture—specifically Psalms. David’s honest words evidence the fear, anger and despair that many people are feeling and demonstrates the hope we can find by trusting God.
5. Laugh—often. Connect with what makes you giggle. Favorite shows, people, games or family “remember when” stories.
6. Treasure every day. Keep a list of daily ‘happies’ or things you’re thankful for. Put it on a wall or mirror and read it when you feel overwhelmed.
7. Pay attention to others. Quite by accident, I started wearing a Priest’s collar around Hong Kong during SARS (another story). I was surprised by the number of strangers who approached me and wanted to talk. In times of great upheaval people need someone to listen to their concerns and fears. Be that person.
This COVID-19 season isn’t going to end overnight. But with God’s help, each of us can choose things that add life to ourselves, our families and our community. May we move through this time with hope, courage and kindness.
Welcome to the ‘Ohana
February 24, 2020
From left: (Front) Karl Flores, Chaplain (Spiritual Care); Blaise Scanlan, Security; Kerry Morris, Home Health; Sunnylei Norr, Patient Access Manager; Madeline DeDios, Pu¯lama; and Julie Cooper, Payer Contracting Specialist. (Back) Margie Fukuda-Chang, RN, Home Health; Hollie Webster, Cardio Rad Tech; Donna Spangler, RN, Pu¯lama; Lee Brooksby, Imaging; and Rozalynn Erickson, Laboratory.
March 9, 2020
From Left: (Front) Tiffani Beach, Materials Management; Janine Aguinaldo, Katrina Williamson and Shaelynn Anderson, Laulima; and Melissa Mueller, Wellness. (Back) Cynthia Hemmelgarn, Speech Therapy; Shane Shimada, BHS; Meghann Taylor, RN, Surgery; Kacie Czachor, ICU; Jessica Lau and Christopher Hipsher, RN, ED; and Patrick McCarthy, ICU.
Emory Gaskins with his family in Hong Kong in 2003.
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ULUPONO - APRIL 2020