Lockdown

by Arlene

From today Scotland begins to ease its lockdown restrictions. I’m glad, because although I’m doing okay in lockdown, I know that many people are not.

I know that many people are feeling isolated, scared and alone. Separated from loved ones, who may be ill, and with demands of work, child care and home learning weighing in it can push you to breaking point. Worse still if you are unable to work, are a small business owner, or have been furloughed and have money worries.

I am lucky, because although I have three part-time jobs, I can work all of them from home. My employers are adaptable and understanding, so there is no pressure for me to return to an office base before I am ready, or it is safe for me to do so.

Shielding

Unfortunately, lockdown is not being eased for me. I am not just in lockdown, I am shielding. Since 4^th March I have been receiving chemotherapy. Luckily for me, because I started my treatment before lockdown started – and because it couldn’t wait – my treatment is being continued, so I don’t have to worry about the consequences for treatment being stopped or postponed for 3 months.

Shielding means that I don’t have any of the ‘privileges’ of lockdown. I can’t go out for shopping or exercise. I rely on having food delivered to me, and I am confined to my home and garden with the immediate members of my family who also have to restrict their movements in order to protect me.

My big day out is going to the hospital to receive treatment!

Lucky

The thing is, I don’t feel resentful or restricted. I know that this is for my protection, and I am enormously grateful for the people who have been abiding by the lockdown restrictions, and who have been helping to protect me. Thank you all.

I consider myself very lucky. I have a garden and grow vegetables, herbs and flowers. It provides a real retreat for me, and provides a source of exercise, food and pleasure for the whole family. I am doubly lucky in fact, since I am confined with my two favourite people in the world – my children.

My children are brilliant, clever, funny, infuriating, maddening and surprising all in equal measure. Strong independent women are the best. There isn’t anyone else I’d rather be with.

So, yes, I have been in lockdown for a long time now, and I will be shielding for longer still, but I am able to count my blessings, and because of that, I’m doing okay. Not every day, but generally.

Thank You

If you aren’t okay, then I’m sorry. I’m sorry if you can’t be with your parents or children. I’m sorry if you are apart from partners and friends. I’m sorry if you have money worries, are struggling with home schooling, can’t get out to an open place or garden, have relationship difficulties, and are feeling isolated and alone.

I hope that for you, the easing of the restrictions helps a little. I hope that you are able to stay safe and feel some return to normal. And I thank you for helping to protect me, and people like me.