Earlier today I was wondering what I might write about this evening. I was not having an exciting day, chores and shopping, not the fun sort. Then I had a phone call.
I have two sim cards in my mobile, one which is my UK number and one for my French number. Before I answer calls I always check which it is and then I know which language to use! It was a French number. The caller wanted to verify that it was me and then spoke at high speed in French. Once I had managed to get her to slow down I realised that I was being invited for a covid vaccine. I nearly danced around Lidl’s carpark! Oh yes please I’d like a vaccine. I can definitely be at my GP’s surgery next Wednesday for midday.
Initially I felt that this meant that I may soon be able to travel to the UK and see my children and other members of my family. However I am not certain that this is the case. As one medic stated until everyone is safe, no-one is safe. We have been exceptionally lucky as a family, despite one of my sons being an optician, my sister-in-law being a nurse, my niece working with vulnerable adults and my father being in a care home we have not suffered any losses and in that sense have been untouched by the pandemic.
However one of the hidden issues of the pandemic is the cost to our mental health. My mother has spent more than 12 months isolating, she lives alone. My 19 year-old-son also lives alone, though he does have his cat, Brian. Everyone I speak to both here and in the UK talk of people being out and about when they shouldn’t be. Unfortunately I think we’ve all had enough now. 12 months ago people were willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. Now more than a year later in real terms nothing has really changed. Although there are vaccines no real progress has been made. No-one can predict when we may go back to something approaching normal. There are clearly lessons that must be learnt, we can have meetings via zoom, we can work from home, it is no longer essential to commute to an office on a daily basis, business can be conducted globally without anyone taking a flight.
What can’t happen virtually though is the hugs and kisses that we share with our nearest and dearest. Human touch triggers hormones that make us feel good and can counteract stress and depression. Therefore being able to reach a position in which we are able to do those things again is probably more important than saving the economy, sending children back to school or any of the myriad of other issues that governments have concerned themselves with.
One of the things that really concerns me; is that despite there being a global pandemic, and there being a world health association that should be able to co-ordinate a global approach, we have not seen such an approach. Instead we have arguments and stand-offs between countries about who should and should not have access to the vaccines. We have countries being priced out of being able to afford the vaccines. Have our leaders learnt nothing? Whilst people are left vulnerable and unvaccinated then everyone remains at risk. We need to work both collectively and globally, I know a big ask.
I am looking forward to my vaccine next week. I do consider it a beacon of hope. On a frivolous note, my daffodils are starting to come out and there is something about daffodils. They seem to smile and make me smile too. What gives you hope at this time?
Tales from the Sheshed France 
Glad you’re going to have your vaccine. It’s clearly a step in the right direction Funnily enough the vaccine gives ME hope. Hope I can hold my grand babies without risk, hope I can see my friends, hope my mum can get back to her dancing and social life.
The garden is also a good one: even a rudimentary nod at gardening is an expression of hope and a dream of what might become in the future At the moment I have a huge variety of colour: daffs; grape hyacinth; forget-me-nots; primula; primroses; dianthus; forsythia and last but not least the cherry blossom and magnolia are almost there!
PS try to keep the day after vaccine lightweight, it can make you feel very tired for a day or so 🤗😊🤗
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Thank you Sue. I shall bear that in mind. I know my mum was ill for a few days xx
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A really honest blog and very insightful of the situation from your perspective. You are right about the pandemic and I’m happy you have got an appointment for your vaccine next week. It will be a golden date on your calendar for certain.
I have a friend who is a nihilist by his own definition and speaking to him prompted me to delve into some of the things he said a little deeper. I’ve been reading a book called The world Without Us. It’s a fascinating read and a truly thought provoking one of a planetary level the world is definitely becoming sicker and as a result so are humans. When we are faced with a pandemic we have no or very little option but to give the management of it to our leaders. It removes our own sense of control over the situation and leaves us floundering. When there is a particularly bad flu virus going around we can stay away from people coughing or decide not to visit someone with the virus. However with this covid situation we are all virtually powerless and I think that is why the vaccine offers such a positive hope to people. Their personal decision as to have or not have the vaccine in some way brings back the personal autonomy that we all feel we have lost.
For me, nature and solitude have always been my friend. Silence, low light levels, bird song, the wind, all help to keep me grounded. For you, the crafting and setting up of your new business has given you focus and goals through all of this covid year. Your flowers are looking lovely and a constant reminder that new things come and that nature in tos eternal cycle brings change. By the way your cat is awesome.
I hope that before long you will feel the right hugs of your children’s arms around you . It feels endless at the moment but I think the sheer discontent of humanity will push global powers to bring back some normality for people.
I have always felt that if we don’t care for the weak and the voiceless, we all fail and never before in my lifetime has this felt more true. The vaccines are not one country’s endeavour. The many ingredients are sourced form tens of different countries and the effort to create it was made globally. We have to share it to everyone so that we can all as a planet get back to normal. Xxx
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What a wonderful response, thank you.
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I have thought long and hard over the last 12 months and ask what have I learnt?
I can work from home – fortunately. Technology that once was a barrier has become the norm and is a plus but I miss human contact – the real thing.
I used to worry about not having it and my anxiety went through the roof.
Not any more.
The time will come when we can meet, we can hug but we need to communicate, pick up the phone; a text it too easy. Maybe that is what life has become, too easy.
Life is short and we have to work at it and this is what I have learnt.
When we can, hug a little harder, be kind and be generous with and to yourself. Don’t make excuses, don’t put things off, live for the moment. Life is too short and there are many who will not have their tomorrows.
Love yourself and if you don’t like what you see, do something about it.
My perspective has changed and I thank God everyday for the people who work to sort out vaccines. Just hope they see human kindness before profit and support the world 🌎 not just those fortunate and privileged. Remember we are privileged not to have to pay for a vaccine.
Long post and I make no apologies xxx
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A wonderful post, thank you Kate. What we have experienced over the last year has not been experienced in several hundred years. We have not been prepared to cope with it. You are right life is short. I look forward to hugging a little harder xx
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