I can’t imagine there are many people who haven’t had the strange feelings of uncertainty and surrealism which have been present over the last seven days.  Since writing my last blog, daily change has become the norm. Many people have been told to work from home, including our son. I had to take him back to the Wirral to collect some things, so decided we’d make a day out of it.

Climbing Thursaston Hill was a real treat, bringing long-forgotten childhood memories to the surface. People were walking in  the sunshine, the blue sky was reflected in the intermittent pools among the grooved sandstone and it was easy to forget the crazy situation in supermarkets up and down the country.

Later on, as we ate our fish and chips while the sun shimmered on the sea at West Kirkby, I felt a pang, wondering how long it would be before I would see the sea again, if travel is restricted.

I must admit, I enjoyed going into school to do my regular day’s teaching. The children have been a great reality check. They are still having fun, still playing and still getting up to their normal tricks. With each new announcement from the government even that changed daily. Today will be the last day before they are sent home with their packs of work. At least it might give their poor little hands chance to recover from the soreness of constant washing…

All around I hear different stories of how this will affect people. Many who have small or unstable incomes are worried they will have to rely on Universal Credit to survive and people on minimal wages can’t afford to go out and panic buy and stock up. Normal weekly shopping has been disrupted by lack of available supplies, others I hear of are worried about self-isolation on their mental health…the list is endless and I certainly don’t intend minimising anyone’s worries.

However, part of me feels this is our beautiful Mother Earth shaking us all awake. I think this will make us think differently, appreciate the really important things and change human behaviour for the better. Already there are signs. One child mentioned he is going to grow his own food in the time off- how great is that! I’m sure more people will cotton on to the benefits of growing their own food. Maybe we should celebrate our Mother the Earth on Sunday as well as our earthly Mothers? Hopefully people will waste less of everything. I’m hoping that the nightmare of shopping in supermarkets will turn people back to their local shops and markets, valuing the service and personal attention they give. Kindness is resurfacing with many supportive community groups setting up to help people who feel isolated or vulnerable. Less travel is already showing a massive reduction in pollution-fish can been seen in the canals in Venice and the swans are back. There is Hope among all the anxiety. Only time will tell what the true results will be.  

Whatever happens through all this we all have two choices. Go with Trust or go with Fear.  I’m going to be positive and Trust…and see where the journey takes me. What are you going to choose?

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