This terrible virus, and the subsequent lockdown, is almost dream-like in its sudden arrival. It feels like we are all living in a disaster movie.
The last time I felt like this, I was a teenager living in Croatia during the Balkan War in the 90s. I well remember the palpable fear of my mum and dad — who was called upon to join the army and was ‘gone’ for many very long months at the time — as they hustled me and my older sister into the air raid shelters based undergrounds. Everyone’s main credos then were “be prepared”, “don’t take chances” and “keep your chin up”. Nevertheless, as we spent night after terrifying night sleeping in the underground , it was hard not to be scared. During this time we were rationed, but nothing like we are doing lately, and unnecessarily.
This new disease has eerily similar parallels to what we went through in the war. Gone are the things that just a few weeks ago were taken for granted, such as brimming supermarket shelves – now almost bare.
My heart bleeds for many who are going to suffer or go out of business or lose their livelihoods because of the draconian rules. I feel you. I hear you. I may be one of those who end up with nothing. But my heart doesn’t bleed for the greedy people who swept all the resources off the supermarket shelves.
Most of us will go through waves of emotion as we sway from feelings of worry and anxiety, to resilience and sheer determination. In tough times our true goodness shines through as we demonstrate compassion and support for others.
”Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder.
I’m a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a business owner. I’ve had a lot to think about over the past week, wearing my various hats.
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel! In the meantime, I’m enjoying the time I have at home with my children, trying to find a way of continuing our disrupted lives as normally as possible, and keep my business going – though this has so far proven to be very difficult – and also enjoying masses of jokey and supportive emails and messages I get from my family, friends and colleagues. We are trying to have a laugh until this crises passes.
I survived bombing. I survived rationing. I survived evacuation with no loo rolls. My dad returned from the war alive. So fingers crossed I’m going to survive this!
We will appreciate life and little things more after this is all over, and this will pass…life is difficult at the moment, but life will again blossom and be beautiful.
Stay well and safe.
