Mmmmmm

Well, it wasn't supposed to be like this!

Retirement I mean.

It's been a year in the planning. Our plan was put in place, we were following it and it was working. The flat (our new home), had been purchased, the decorating done, my business sold, Margaret had handed in her notice, sorting out and downsizing completed, (necessitating many tip and charity shop trips), the date was set to move, organisations had been informed of our forthcoming 'change of address.' We were getting excited and prepared.

But that wasn't all. We'd also planned what we'll do in the future. We have plans to travel to places near and far. The motorhome was readied, serviced and MOT'd, it was habitation checked (the inside working bits - cooker, fridge, electrics etc. ensuring they were safe and in good working order). Road tax was paid, insurance renewed and Sheldon was put on his new storage site near to our new home. Plans had already been made for our first tour, which was to be 3 weeks in the South West of England. We'd even given it a title,"A wander in the West". Campsites had been booked and most of them paid for. We were ready to go and looking forward to our new life together as we moved into our 'third age'.

But then things changed and my goodness did they change and at such speed. Something, totally unexpected arrived on these shores, something which has changed lives immeasurably in what is just a couple of weeks. Coronavirus or COVID 19 arrived with force and vengeance, infecting many more people and bringing this country (and many others), into crisis. For us, (as with everyone else), it meant everything had to be put on hold. The Government guidelines came into being meaning that previously largely unused words and phrases became the norm. We started to hear of 'lockdown', 'social distancing', 'key workers', 'non-essential travel' and 'isolation', to name just a few. The importance and necessity of compliance with these guidelines for our own personal well being and the overall good of society were understandably continually stressed. These, unexpected changes to our way of life came upon us all at lightning speed. So much so, that I wake up each morning thinking and hoping that it's all a bad dream. But no, after a few shorts moments, I realise it's real and once again I get that sinking feeling. What is happening?

No, it really wasn't meant to be like this.

And, so I set about writing my first blog for stephentime9, (another of my retirement plans). But once again this didn't go to plan, for this is not the blog I had intended to write, but one which was borne out of the necessity of the moment, rather than by intention.

It's so easy in such a miserable situation to see the terrible effects this wretched virus is having on our lives, to look at the negatives. And let's face it, it is horrible and is causing so much misery. It would be wrong to think otherwise. People are suffering in so many ways, lives have been changed forever and there is so much uncertainty and fear around. It's a ghastly situation and one that can't be underplayed, that's for sure.

BUT, despite all of this there are signs of goodness and hope around us and perhaps it's an opportunity for each of us and society to have a reset, to look for the things which really matter. And you know there are signs of hope and cheer when you look and search to find them.

Have you noticed how much quieter it is? The traffic by necessity has reduced to levels which we could never have dreamt of, meaning when/if we can get out it's so much more pleasant and safe. This means you can actually hear the birdsong and in the evening you can see more stars because light pollution is reduced. These are just some of the positive effects this is having on our environment. There is less pollution locally, nationally and worldwide. Surely, this will have a great impact on global warming and kickstart our planet's healing. All this is good. The cold inhospitality of winter was coming to an end. We were moving into a time when we would see that new life bringing with it renewed hope is on its way. The warmer weather and all that it brings will soon be with us.

And yet, it's not just in nature that I see goodness and hope.

Our new home is in a retirement complex for the over 60's, (yes we are over 60 - but only just)!

Within this complex, we also see daily the goodness of people to each other. We owe so much gratitude to so many. Our scheme manager is still working, ensuring that those who are frail get their shopping and washing done. Neighbours help each other out, as best they can. We continue to have a constant flow of carers coming in to assist those who need personal care. Suppliers, gardeners and delivery people still call to ensure folk receive what is required. The post is still delivered, the milkman calls, all of which helps to ensure a sense of normality. But it's not normal, it's different. The corridors are largely silent, people are afraid, visitors discouraged from calling in an effort to protect us all. The necessary care is being taken to ensure that the wretched virus doesn't visit this place.

We are continually grateful to those who call and assist those in need. In these strange times, we see goodness. The goodness and beauty of nature and the goodness and kindness of people to each other. Let’s hope that when this is all over (and it will be over), some of this stays with us. Perhaps there will be less traffic and noise, more care for each other, greater gratitude to those who really are the heroes of this pandemic - our health workers, carers, shop workers, delivery drivers, cleaners, security people, transport workers. The list goes on. The pandemic has certainly brought with it misery, but let’s also remember the more encouraging things which we’ve seen and experienced. We are grateful to all those who have helped us through this time.

A BIG THANK YOU TO THEM ALL

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