And yes, as you have to return to Leal almost daily, today I return to him, in light of the new events caused by COVID 19; that these days, and much to our regret, are happening in the world, but particularly in our country.
Tension, sleeplessness, work without time and limits, health workers, others linked to this difficult pandemic, government, political and mass authorities, all working for patients and the people in general.
Incredibly, the days of the highest peak of patients has occurred in this first month of the year; something that although expected, is shocking.
Each of us Cubans who live on this island have not truly internalized the situation despite so much information that proves how deadly this disease is; without distinction of race, sex, or age.
We have a responsibility quota, and I would say very high, by the way, because as my grandmother used to say: “… God help those who help themselves”
The state assumes almost all of the expenses incurred, but what about taking into account what is actually spent in each person who is hospitalized, isolated, admitted or simply offered medical attention?
It is very easy, perhaps, to judge this or that attitude and even to question modes of attention and lack of resources, but what is much more difficult is to judge ourselves and take a close look at our behavior. Will we be responsible and serious enough to protect ourselves and prevent a disease as deadly as this?
If we make a deep and critical analysis of our actions, the infallible reality immediately appears before our eyes, we are not acting according to these moments and situations in which we live; And the worst thing is that many of us do not want to understand it, or see it, because a popular saying also says that “… the eyes are useless when the mind is blind …”
The lines, necessary to acquire any product, are necessary, but what about the distance between each person, do we comply with it? This is an issue that we have not resolved yet. Let’s just visit any establishment that sells food, medicine, or other necessary good to simply live and we will realize that NO, with capital letters. We do not believe in administrators, or in people empowered to establish order, or remotely in someone who calls to sanity and suggests: please keep your distance! Not at all, that’s when, perhaps, we lash out at them and tell them that they can go to hell; we can all en in there if we do not follow the instructions that are given.
Reflecting on this was that I remembered Leal, when I once heard him say that “… he did not aspire to anything … only to continue being useful …”, and “… many are those who found, but few those who persevere … “, and I wondered then: are we being consistent enough with these thoughts and attitudes of this man who left traces in every corner of his Havana, but also of his Island?
To be honest, I believe that we need to continue learning from his teachings, and now more than ever I think that he would be, like so many others, involved in saving this people in whom he always trusted; He offered the best of his work and effort with the purpose of hand down all that we are, and more, to future generations.
Then, some words come to my mind, words that the magnificent writer and Director of Casa de las Américas, Abel Prieto Jiménez said at the farewell of the historian of the capital: “… Eusebio, without any doubt, continues to accompany us …”
So let’s bring to life what has been said and let him continue to accompany us, but working with the assurance that in each one of the Cubans he will have a disciple of dedication and responsibility, convinced that this also means preserving our national heritage and identity.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
