My Thoughts As Lockdown Starts To Come To An End.

We are approaching what may be the beginning of “normality” or as “normal” as I ever think we will get to…….soon 21st June when if or we are told it all over…I really do think there is not a person in the country whose life will not be the same unless there are people who have made their life continue in the way it always has whether by “money” or the “why should attitude”.I hasten to add this is my opinion so please do not be upset if you disagree…..each to their own.

Little did we know when Boris called us all to stay inside how long we would be doing it. I know lockdown has been like living in a cuckoo clock. Personally, I feel as if I have been in lockdown the whole time.

I have cried almost every day….mostly without anyone knowing it. Each and every one of us I feel has felt like that. We have missed family, we have had family coping with mental health issues, we have had family and people we know that has had someone who has had this terrible virus. A lot of families has suffered a loss…I  personally have not had those losses and for that, I am so eternally grateful.

At the start…I went out each day to do my”daily” exercise…..We clapped on our doorsteps every Thursday evening, even celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE day socially distanced on our front lawns. Those are lovely things we will remember.

Our hair grew…lots of us had grey streaks. Some of learned to video chat…I am one of those who learned that thanks to no1 son. Also, I can actually take part in a zoom meeting when son no 1’s support group  “met”

Lockdown has made us all think differently about ourselves…..me…..I think it has made me feel old and I have to admit to my mortality.9 years ago I was diagnosed with arthritis in my right knee which has never bothered me until last August it really started to pain and it’s been awful. I have various phone call consultations….which really have not helped I am taking codeine but it does not really help, but today I had a phone call for a proper face to face clinic appointment…unless it’s cancelled.

Schools all back next week and shops reopen on 12th April……I can resume my voluntary charity shops. I may be 72….but still capable. I eagerly await the phone call to ask me back. My hair will be cut….but I have to admit some days I quite it long.

I am not too concerned about the pubs etc opening up. I expect at some point I will go to one….but I have no hurry. I do hope that I will be able to visit my friend Sheila in Dorset in Sept.

Seeing my grandson, being able to cuddle him when I can or when he lets me.

Hugging people……I wonder how long it will be before we are really comfortable about that.

Changing my library books…….I have really missed that but still, have plenty to read on the bookshelves.

Daughter in law has ordered me mountains of wool which I have turned into 60″isolation” scarves…..15 scarves for the homeless ane 22 hats…time has not been wasted. I have collected and written words/poetry/prose/satire etc from youtube and what scrolls upon Facebook. It has kept me sane.

So as we approach the time when we return to”normal” I will leave you with these words

WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT…BUT WE ARE NOT ALL IN THE  SAME STORM…I FEEL THESE WORDS ARE SO TRUE.

For some people it’s a sprinkling, this is a break, its a breather. Its a pause in the “normal”, Its a time to reconnect with family and slow down. Honestly, it’s kind of peaceful.

For some, it’s a storm. Its a bit scary. It’s disruptive. It’s enough to make you stay up and watch the news and worry.

For some its hurricane. It’s tearing at the boards and pulling off the roof. It’s washing them out to sea. It is dark and unknowing.Its life-changing.

It’s not Wrong to be enjoying the sprinkles or enduring the storm, but please don’t negate the difference. Rest with family, but don’t minimize the hurricane engulfing your neighbour. Laugh at a meme, but get on your knees for your friends. Get into someone else’s storm

THANK YOU FOR READING…….ENJOY  YOUR FREEDOM