The World Has Changed

I'm still trying to get my head around what is happening throughout the world. It's a scenario I never imagined I would find myself in, where we are being asked to stay inside because of a virus. It's like a really boring Hollywood movie.

I've already clarified in the two previous posts that I am highly anxious about all of this. In the last day or so, our Prime Minister has enforced the closures of pubs, clubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, sports grounds. You name it, if it isn't essential, it is closed. We are being asked to live the most basic of lives in the most complex and interesting world and it is absolutely horrible.

The numbers are startling. Italy has recorded thousands and thousands of deaths because of Covid-19 and current statistics have our country heading towards the same path. The fact of the matter is, this hasn't really started yet and no one knows what is coming.

However, as a lot of people keep saying, it is important to stay positive. Working for the NHS, at least I have a secure job unlike 5 million self employed workers who are now left in a state of worry.

There are also some fantastic initiatives going on, such as community kindness groups on social media, the ongoing mix of humour that is Twitter and even an online pub quiz hosted by a sports commentator called Nick Heath, that I managed to get 26 out of 50 on this evening, which distracted me for an hour or so.

And it's Mother's Day tomorrow, which is an exceptionally important day in our family's calendar as Laura and I nearly lost our wonderful Mother 6 years ago, (doesn't time fly!) We're going for a river walk and a small picnic, which is technically against the advice of "social distancing" but a boy needs his Mother from time to time. I have also written a poem to go insider her Mother's Day card:

...

It's been a long old time since '91
the world has changed some may say.
I am the person I am because of you,
looking out for me come what may.

Thank you for being my counsellor,
my personal shopper, my cleaner.
Thank you for always being there
even during the times I was meaner.

Thank you for your constant support
through times, both thick and terrible.
My sister and I, both adults now
will always be eternally grateful.

It's been a long old time since '91
with bottles, toys and cots.
But one thing that has never changed
is that I love you lots and lots.