As we are slowly coming out of this strange time, have I learned anything?
My initial reaction would be no, I’ve been too fearful, too worried and too anxious.
However, I really want to stay positive, so here are the things I have enjoyed:
You find out who your friends are
This is so similar to MS – you really do. Those you thought would stick by haven’t and vice versa. I called a friend weeks ago for a catch up and am still waiting the return call. In the same way, I have had the joy of catching up with people I haven’t heard from for ages.
Your Boss takes you shopping
He sourced and told me about the quietest shops and took me to them when I couldn’t get shopping slots. Along with my younger sister, who has been leaving food for me every week since this started, I am so grateful.
You have a garden
It’s random, filled with skip-dive plants and those rescued from home renovations, but I love it. I have never appreciated it more, now that we spend so much time at home.
Your son can cook
Yup, after he was told by his Uni to go home, he has been cooking a family meal once a week, a good chance for us to catch up and chat through everything that’s happening in the world.
Your son steps up
As well as finishing his Uni year, he’s also almost completed a 12 week contract with the biggest hospital in Wales, in housekeeping. I’m truly proud of him.
You keep writing
Despite the lack of coffee shops and places to write, I have had great support, especially from Russ Gascgoine, who has been sending messages to keep my writing on track. Not only that, we have had invaluable catch ups on the phone.
You teach Creative Writing online
We have run courses through MS Society Scotland and it’s been fantastic; we have uncovered hidden talents. Plus, we are starting a book club.
You shop local
Just that, shop local, if you can. For me, they are far easier to access than supermarkets and you know you’re supporting local businesses. As more shops open on Monday, I’m looking forward to staying local.
Telephone Bookcases
These have sprung up all over Cardiff and I take a bag of books every week (I’m reading a lot right now). Brilliant innovation and long may it continue after this is over.
For all of us, Covid has been problematic. If we can keep the togetherness that has bound us together over the last three months, perhaps we can look to a brighter, more local future.
Count that Day lost
By George Eliot
If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done,
And, counting, find
One self-denying deed, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard,
One glance most kind
That fell like sunshine where it went —
Then you may count that day well spent.
But if, through all the livelong day,
You’ve cheered no heart, by yea or nay —
If, through it all
You’ve nothing done that you can trace
That brought the sunshine to one face–
No act most small
That helped some soul and nothing cost —
Then count that day as worse than lost.
Beautiful, thank you for sharing! X
I read your post this morning and have been trying to think what I have learned from lockdown and it is the realisation that I haven’t missed a single thing. Being semi isolated anyway for nigh on 13 years due to MS and other health issues this total isolation (apart from my husband and dog) isn’t at all different for me.
I don’t miss shopping as I only went when I had to, I don’t miss socialising as I left all my friends in Devon and other parts of the UK when we moved to Wales and apart from neighbours I never had the chance to make new ones in Wales. We only went out for meals when there was a birthday or something to celebrate and we are not drinkers so never went to wine bars etc. All my hobbies are home-based so didn’t need to go out to the gym or a sports venue or whatever. So if there is one thing I’ve learned is that I am quite happy and content as I am, apart from the pain and mobility of course.
An interesting comment, thank you! I think my mum is in the same position – her life hasn’t really changed at all as she was fairly restricted before. In some ways, she felt less under pressure as everyone was in the same boat.
From my side, I won’t be rushing back to the shops/restaurants, etc until the picture is much clearer. Plus I think this time has made me think about what is important in my life and what really isn’t! X
I happened to travel to Vietnam during the pandemic outbreak. It was a helluva experience as the local people really managed to handle the situation by complying with their government’s strict regulations. Hope that the year 2021 will be better so that everyone, including people with MS, can free their mind of all pressures.
That sounds wonderful! I hope that too – it feels like the longest 10 months ever. I’m really looking forward to catching up with all my friends and doing normal things, like sitting in a cafe … X