There goes another month! Lockdown is still in full flow, life is still nowhere near the ‘normal’ we are used to, and over 26,000 people (that we know of), have lost their lives to this awful, awful pandemic. 2020 really hasn’t planned out the way I’m sure many of us planned but what can we do, other than do what we do best, keep calm and carry on. That isn’t to say, we aren’t concerned about the situation that is constantly evolving, and rapidly changing around us, every single day, sometimes in a matter of hours. But rather, we are making the best of a bad situation, trying to power through and do what we know is expected of us. People in our communities are really stepping up to the plate, and giving their best to keep us going and on our feet.
Even by standing on our doorsteps each, and every Thursday, clapping, banging various kitchen pots and pans, and sometimes even setting off fireworks, I feel like in a way this pandemic is bringing us closer together in a way that perhaps we wouldn’t have been, had COVID-19 never entered our lives. I see people who I have never spoken to, but whom have lived along and across the main road from us for years. We shout across the street to say hello and wave, saying until the next week comes around have a good one.
There are so many emotions being felt right now from everyone I’m sure. I have been angry at the fact we cannot go and see our loved ones, angry that people are not allowed to see those loved ones when they are ill. Sometimes the last time they see them will be in the back of an ambulance. I am both confused, and angry with the people who go out every Thursday to clap the NHS, yet still decide to go out on unnecessary journeys to inessential places, and carry on their lives as normal; almost treating lockdown like a very long holiday. Myself and Lisa have gone out to the shops, or for a quick walk by the river over the last couple of weeks, and we have seen people sitting close together chatting, or sunbathing amongst other things, and to me that is absolutely unacceptable; lives are at risk!
On the other hand, I feel more thankful now for the life I have been given, and for the family I have surrounding me. Although we are stuck inside most of the time, my family for now, are safe and well, and for once we can actually spend more than an hour together at the dinner table, or watching TV, without having to rush off to work, do something for work when home in the evenings/at the weekends, or being so tired that conversations are not long or comprehensive. I know I am so lucky in more ways than one to be able to say this and not everyone has the set up I do. Spending time with my family when I’m not at work has made me put a lot into perspective and I know when we return to our new ‘normal’ things HAVE to change; somehow?
Sadness, resignation, anxiety, anger, frustration to the situation can be overwhelming but something to remember is that, this too will pass. If we do as we are told by the guidance, we can come out the other side of this. Yes, it is irritating not being able to see your paresnt, your grandparents, your friends, or your work colleagues, and yes it has been a while now since you have done the ‘norm’ and been allowed to go about your daily activities with little thought of social distancing and COVID-19 motivated guidance. But with patience, time and doing what is ultimately right, we are going to be ok.
It’s funny how much has changed, even in the last month. When I wrote last, we had just been locked down and now we are 4 weeks in. I am still working, and key worker children are still coming into school. But the dynamic has shifted dramatically. It hurts our mental and emotional health as adults, and we know what is happening, we listen to the news, we can process far more the impact this will have on the world. Children, despite being some of the most resilient humans (trust me, I’ve seen it first hand!), cannot fully compute this ever changing world and how the pandemic will change their old normal to a new one. We cannot tell them when ‘normal’ will return, and if it will return at all. One thing is for sure, when schools come back, we will have a job on our hands to ensure there is no lasting impact on them; their education and their well-being. Something I am positive we are ready to do; it’s what we do everyday (hopefully!) in schools on perhaps a slightly reduced, but no less important scale. I am not naive, it isn’t going to be easy, but i have faith we are up for the job.
I have probably repeated myself today, and in my last blog, sorry! Next time I will write about something else :). I hope you are all happy, safe and well!
Keep talking, keep listening, stay home and stay safe!!
Sinead x
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