Coronavirus and a can of Carling

A Mother's Day to Remember

These are strange times. Our routines have been disrupted. Our social circles have been affected. There are no slimming clubs, book clubs or fitness sessions. There are no bars or restaurants open and a walk with dog is just that, a walk, no calling at the local for a beer and a G & T.

It would be so easy to be negative because your holiday has been cancelled or your concert has been postponed. There are families who cannot be together due to travel restrictions and couples who cannot get married because of social distancing recommendations.  And worst of all there is no pasta or toilet rolls on the supermarket shelves!

Yet I am seeing so much goodwill around me, which is keeping me positive.

There is a wartime spirit in the communities, with random acts of kindness happening everywhere. Young lads putting together food parcels,  teenagers offering to walk the dog. Local shops and taxi firms delivering supplies to those in need.  Neighbours, checking on the elderly couple that live next door. Dad’s carers going above and beyond to make sure he gets his fish on a Friday served with a can of Carling!!

I also know we are fortunate to live in a time where technology keeps us in touch with those we love. We can order our shopping on line and read a book on a device and let the kids watch YouTube clips whist home-schooling.

However there are some days when the current situation makes you realise what is important in life and today is one of those days. It’s Mothers Day.

It is a day when we usually spoil our mum. We take her to the pub for a meal. We go to the garden centre for afternoon tea and buy a potted plant. We deliver a card and a bunch of flowers and we give her a hug and tell her that we love her.

However today is Mothers Day 2020 in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Social media is full of pictures and stories of sons and daughters being separated from their mum. There are tears because we are advised not to give that hug and to keep our distance. Families have had to find other ways to show their mum they love them. Ways that do not need commercial intervention.

Daffodils have been picked from the garden, cards have been made rather than bought and words have been spoken in the knowledge that we are living in unprecedented times and that time with our loved ones are to be treasured and do not necessarily need to cost a fortune!

Thing is I’ve been doing this with my mum for nearly 10 years. Every year I make mum a card and pick some daffodils and sit on a bench and tell her I love her and I miss her and I wish I could give her a hug.

I ask her if she’s OK and to let me know she can hear me. Usually a blackbird joins me or a song comes on the radio so I know she’s listening!

If she were here I know she would be smiling and saying “This too shall pass” or "Nobody's got a leg off" How I miss her words of wisdom! 

So although these are uncertain times and worrying times I actually think that when its over we will all have had the opportunity to reflect on what really matters in life. Our family, our health and the absolute appreciation of soft toilet rolls if you have any!!!!

Stay safe my friends!