Lockdown.

What a word and one we all seem to have become very used to, unfortunately.

Never in all my wildest dreams did I ever imagine a time that I would be stuck in my house involuntarily for all of my free time, yet one of a select group of key workers who would go to work whilst majority of the Country are confined to their houses, away from loved ones and friends.

Whilst there is NO comparison to what happened in the last war, there are some similarities in my own opinion.

People sat around waiting for and then listening to the PM’s latest proclamation. Shops running short. Food being ‘rationed’. Streets being empty. Shops, restaurants, cinemas, pubs and more all shut down.

Boris. Nuff Said

Sad times indeed.

This time it is not the sound of bombs and aircraft that people are worried about; it is the silent killer that people fear. Something that there is no ‘cure’ or vaccination that anyone can have. Yet.

I am in a privileged position. I am nearly 46, healthy if heavier that recommended. I don’t have any underlying problems or breathing issues. I am active, eat fresh healthy food and can still get out of my house.

Many people are not so lucky.

Trying to Bring the Glam…

This doesn’t stop me from worrying. My mum and close relatives have COPD, a breathing issue. She has very weak lungs and has nearly died several times from blood clots, pleurisy and pneumonia in the past.

As with many people across the World, I am worried for my loved ones. But we are in a much more fortunate situation, I think. We don’t live in the squalor, poverty and overcrowded situations that many around the World do.

But it doesn’t mean that we are immune from this virus. As of writing (Saturday 04th April at 1400) there have been 4,313 people in the UK that have died.

The Virus.

For the majority of them, the news was full of constant reports of their old age and their underlying conditions. Now it is starting to become the norm to hear of young people, people with no conditions.

This is even harder to hear.

At first I thought it awful that Brides and Grooms were being told they couldn’t have guests at their weddings. Baptisms were cancelled. Parties were shelved.

Now I am reading about funerals that are going ahead without mourners. For me this is one of the saddest things to hear. Parties and weddings can be reorganised when things get better. Mourning or celebrating the life, loves and achievements of someone who has passed, is vital for the loved ones left behind.

It just isn’t fair.

But for many, life isn’t fair.

Instead of moaning about how hard it is not being able to go about daily life, why not count your blessings?

I guess what I am trying to say is that although there are so many negative things going on due to the Corona Crisis, there are also the amazing wonderful positives.

Almost that Blitz Spirit.

People are looking out for one another. Shopping for the elderly, vulnerable and in need. Caring for each other. Clapping their support for those working on the NHS front line. Coming together.

Stay well, Stay safe and Stay HOME.

In today’s day and age people barely know the name of their neighbours. People keep to themselves. There is not very much Community Spirit.

But Covid-19 has brought a lot of that back.

And I am very thankful for that. But even more so, I am thankful that my family and friends are safe and well at this point.

I hope and pray it stays that way.

Till next time,

Stay Safe, Stay Well and Stay HOME!

SPSG xxx