I couldn’t create a personal website in 2022 without mentioning the pandemic, which has had such a huge impact on the world, and also on me personally.
When we first heard about the virus we thought of it as far away, like other outbreaks had been, and was unlikely to reach us. We were very wrong! On 11th March 2020 the World Health Organization declared the outbreak as a pandemic, and on 23rd March the UK entered a state of lockdown. Everyone was told to stay at home apart from essential workers. Businesses and schools were closed. Churches were closed. Our tech team and band worked hard at producing a service each week and soon became proficient at live streaming.
I soon became aware that I was in the ‘Shielding’ group due to being immunosuppressed and having a liver condition (AIH). I began to receive letters from the Scottish government which have continued to this day, as well as text messages. First I was told to isolate for at least 12 weeks, then that was extended to the end of July. I was told I couldn’t leave the house, not even for exercise. I couldn’t go to shops or see anyone. I was told to pack a hospital bag, though how I would catch the virus if I was locked away I still don’t understand!
I was very thankful that I was not alone, I had a husband, and I also had a garden that I could use. The weather was very good those first few months. I was also thankful for the business – we were used to working from home, so we kept going as normal, though Colin had to work from his own home. To protect both of us, Gordon also stayed at home (apart from going out for walks) and we got used to online deliveries. We still get our weekly shopping delivered from Morrisons.
The hardest part was not seeing the family. I really missed the grandchildren. I have to admit I did find it hard seeing the neighbours going out for walks and shopping daily when I wasn’t allowed to leave the house. The highlight of the week was at 8pm on a Thursday when everyone stood on their doorsteps and clapped for the NHS. That was the only time I saw faces in the flesh and I enjoyed waving to the neighbours. I am very grateful to my neighbour Elaine, who always offered to help and used to pick up anything for us if we ran out before our online delivery. I am not good at asking for help so I really appreciated her offers.
Like many others we discovered Zoom and have used it extensively ever since, both for business and for family and friends. The church has also made good use of Zoom when physical meetings were not allowed.
By August 2020 the numbers of infections had dropped and I was allowed out, within the restrictions. We caught up with family outside and went back to church to help with the music and tech. We thought the pandemic was coming to an end, but once again we were wrong! When the congregation was allowed back and the infection numbers started creeping up we stopped going, and at this point in time we have still not been back to church. I really miss it and hope that the spring and summer this year will be different and we can go back.
The highlight of that summer was Richard and Diana announcing they were expecting their first child! We were so happy for them and it gave us something to look forward to in 2021. Matthew was born in April 2021 and we have seen him regularly ever since. Richard still works from home and they have been very careful so we feel safe having Matthew. He has brought great joy to us, and we look forward to the arrival of another grandson in June – a son for Colin and Emma. We are looking forward to the better weather so we can have the family over for BBQs, and hope that this pandemic will soon be over.
We were all delighted when the first vaccine for Covid-19 was created, and we soon received our doses. I was told that because I was immunosuppressed the vaccine may not work for me, so I am still trying to avoid catching it. I received an extra dose (called the third primary), followed by the booster three months later in January. Most of the family have had Covid and recovered, so I’m looking forward to David and family coming over from Geneva this year. We haven’t seen them since Christmas 2019, apart from a short visit from David on his own last year. I miss them so much.
I have kept all the letters I received from the Scottish government. I know they are of no interest to anyone at the moment, but in years to come my great grandchildren may find them interesting! They are in a pink box file in my office so that the family can keep them safe when I am gone.
Update September 2022:
Well, after all the care we took Covid finally got me and Gordon. Since May we have been more relaxed and going to cafes, church and enjoying looking after Matthew on Mondays and Tuesdays. I possibly caught it in church on 28th August. I became very ill on Wednesday 31st and ended up in bed for 7 days, then recovering slowly for another week or so. I received an infusion of Sotrovimab (monoclonal antibody) on Sept 1st. Gordon caught it a couple of days later – he wasn’t at church because he was recovering from a hospital stay in Monklands. He had a couple of days in bed then started recovering slowly. We were both left very tired. I’m glad we didn’t get it before since this is the ‘milder’ variant Omicron and we have both received the vaccines. My 6th vaccine is due in October but I’m not convinced about how effective it is on my weakened immune system. I will take it anyway.
Update May 2024:
The pandemic appears to be over and life has returned to normal for most people. I did get Covid again last November but it was much milder this time. I was given Paxlovid tablets which I believe helped my recovery. I now get regular Covid vaccines and boosters and have lost count of how many. We can no longer access testing kits like before and it is seen as just another virus like a cold.
I think the world has learned a lot from the pandemic. For one thing, working from home is now perfectly acceptable in many businesses, especially in IT.
Personally, I’ve discovered that while online communication has become routine and, in some cases, essential, there’s nothing quite like a face-to-face get-together over a cup of coffee!
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