By Htar Sandi Naing English Specialization, University of Yangon

“ Stay at home! Don’t go anywhere!” I am sure that we have heard this quite a lot from everywhere in our daily lives since the outbreak of COVID-19. Those words keep travelling into our ears every single second. Many songs and music videos are released to raise awareness of it as well. During these days, it is better to stay at home in order to stem the outbreak. But the question is: “What are we going to eat in the house for our survival?” When this question is asked, I am certain that all the eyes will be set on the lady of the house. The whole house has to rely on the lady of the house as she is the one who manages the house.

Since everyone has to be indoors without getting a chance to step outside, what we eat depends on the lady of the house. She becomes the hero who saves the day. As every single person in the home relies on her, she has to be extra cautious to not get infected from the virus. At that time, it is for sure that she definitely becomes stressed from all the worries. Therefore, she becomes suspicious of every teeny-tiny action or thing. Then, she becomes more confused about whether to wash all the food with soap or detergent to be safe from the outbreak. Some of the craziest questions might pop up in her mind as well. For instance, she is not sure whether to leave them out in the sun for a while to reduce the risk of getting infected. This clearly shows how overprotective she has become for the whole family. She has to be careful while making food for everyone at home in order to pull them to stay indoors without eating out. She is the one who creates delicious dishes for everyone to enjoy indoors_ the best chef we could have ever asked for.

Moreover, the lady of the house is the one who has to do all the chores. She has to work for the whole 24 hours a day. There isn’t even a chance for her to “resign from her job” if she wants to. No one is there to fire her or give her a bonus for working so hard all day. During these days, it is more tiring for the lady of the house. Even when she has to go grocery shopping for the whole family, she has to be careful. Once she falls, the whole family will collapse as well. That’s why she has to shop quickly and wear the mask and gloves regardless of how hot the weather is. She has to rack her brains and think ahead for the next day as well. What will everyone enjoy eating tomorrow? She even has to make the snacks that the kids love to eat. She tries her best to keep everyone safe from the dangerous disease. She is the one who takes care of everyone’s health. Yes, she’s the best doctor we could have ever asked for!

Overall, while staying at home, I realize how much the role of the lady of the house matters. She is the one who runs the house. She is the one who fulfills everyone’s desires. She is the one who keeps on working hard to make a home, a sweet home. What will happen if she stops doing everything? What if she gets bored of doing it? Never forget to thank the lady of the house, “the Queen of the Kitchen”, every single day for all her efforts. Mom, I am truly thankful for everything you have done for us. I can feel your deep unconditional love in our veins. Why not salute all the ladies of the house?