As I write this, we are supposed to be celebrating Easter and yet we are all very far from jubilant. The Coronavirus is still centre stage in our lives. Everywhere is quiet, apprehensive and desolate.
We are allowed out, once per day, for exercise. When exercising, we are to remain local to our homes and only exercise with people we live with. We can shop but only for essentials. We can leave the home for any medical need and if we have to still go out to work, we may do that.
At home, we are utilising our garden for exercise. I am also making full use of the YouTube content available for workout routines. Shops are doing well; only allowing a few people in at a time and making sure people keep their distance when queuing. Hand sanitizer at every entrance. Trolleys and baskets cleaned after each use. Product limits have been applied, to stop the hysterical panic buying that occurred 3 weeks ago. In my experience, most medical needs are being cancelled, postponed or where possible, completed over the phone.
We are now in week 4 of lockdown and there is no sign that measures will be lifted any time soon. I have to be honest…it’s tough. I am thankful that I’m not alone, I have my husband and daughter for company. I have never been more grateful for the simple pleasure that is our garden. As the warm weather pays a visit, it has been wonderful to have our own piece of the outside world to enjoy freely.
I’m keeping to a routine. I’m working out almost daily. Still avoiding caffeine and alcohol. I’m reading more, calling my mum more. Checking in with friends via WhatsApp, just to feel some semblance of togetherness.
My face is enjoying and dare I say it, benefiting from a complete break from make-up. I’m finally growing my eyebrows back. Years of overzealous plucking, had started to make me look permanently surprised! I’m shaving everything I usually get waxed. That’s a new and uncomfortable experience, that I hope never to repeat. I’m rocking an elasticated waistband most days. Eating far too much chocolate. Embracing my good days. Holding on through my bad ones. It’s a process.
The symbol of hope behind the heartache of this nightmare, is the rainbow. Children all over the country have been painting rainbows and putting them in their windows at home for others to see as they walk by. Children out with their parents, will often be counting how many they can see on their travels.
What started as a way to spread a little happiness, has now become a wonderful way to show our message of solidarity. I smile every time I see my daughter’s rainbow in our window. Rainbows can be found in most streets now, spreading love, spreading gratitude to our amazing NHS and our hope for light at the end of this tunnel.
Isolation. Lockdown. Social distancing. Shielding. It’s all very overwhelming. Every Thursday at 8pm now, we step outside our front door to applaud our key workers. This alien lifestyle we have recently adopted has very quickly become the norm.
I’m trying to keep busy and keep our routine as upbeat as possible for my daughter. We have told her about the germs outside and that we need to stay inside until they all go away. It’s hard for her to understand, why she can’t go to school or why she can’t play in her neighbours garden, as she is playing in her own garden anyway. We take the questions and the challenges day by day.
There have been tears, especially as behind every number reported on the news, is a loved one lost and a family grieving in isolation. There have also been proud moments, when you see the lengths, some people are going to reach out and help others. Stories of people leaving food parcels for neighbours, strangers paying for the shopping of families that are struggling and business utilising their skills and turning their empty premises, into lifeline for their local communities as we strive to get through this as a team.
A rainbow appears with the sun after a rainstorm. Our rainbows are up. They are multiplying. They are everywhere and will continue to be there until Covid 19 is no longer. This storm will end. The sun will shine. Our rainbow will fly high.
Stay strong. Stay safe.
Heard this song on the radio for the first time in years this week. Had to share it. Lighthouse Family – High.