Coronavirus: The Kindness Of Us

Let’s be clear about one thing: coronavirus sucks! The strange new world we’re all living in isn’t the greatest either. The constant sense of unease about how long it will last and how bad it might get is also pretty unnerving. But among all the worry and the fear and the ridiculous panic buying there are the many stories of people being really decent human beings and looking out for each other and that’s what’s keeping me going.

My family is now self-isolating after my two-year-old daughter developed a cough and a sore throat. (I really don’t think she has the virus but we’re following advice and taking all the precautions to make sure we don’t put anyone else at risk.) The thought of being stuck in a two bed flat with two small children and my partner for the next 14 days fills me with dread.

But we’ll get through it like everyone else because we have to.

And thanks to the kindness of all our friends, family and even complete strangers. When we started telling people we were having to isolate so many offered to go shopping for us or drop off things we need, whether they lived that close by or not. My uncle has already been over to leave milk and bananas and refused to let us reimburse him. Our neighbours even picked up some tonic so I could enjoy a much needed G&T this evening! #essentials

Many friends have suggested FaceTime coffee dates to stop us feeling so isolated. We’re even planning a movie night with one group of friends where we all watch the same film at the same time and WhatsApp while we do so we can feel connected.

So thank you to all of you who are making things just a little bit easier for me and my family. And take care everyone.

So many more have sent ideas for things to do with our toddler to help entertain her. There are lots of things I hadn’t even thought of, and plenty to keep us busy.

And it’s not just people we know who are showing such kindness and generosity. This morning we went to an online toddler party, hosted by a couple of children’s entertainers through Facebook Live. They currently have no work but they still did it for free and it was great. They know how hard this is going to be for families so they’re doing their bit to help.

I’ve heard stories of people shopping and cooking for elderly neighbours, taking in other people’s children because they can’t stay at home for whatever reason, and even one elderly lady who is self-isolating and using the time to knit hats and booties for premature babies at her local hospital.

These are the things that I’m choosing to read about and focus on.

These are the things that I want to remember about this unprecedented time we’re living through.

The positive things that make you feel like maybe we’ve actually got this, and that we’ll definitely make it through.

So thank you to all of you who are making things just a little bit easier for me and my family.

And take care everyone.