A Summer Like No Other

This summer seems to have gone by like a dream.

I cannot remember a situation like this during my lifetime – so many weeks of anxiety about the safety of our loved ones, both family and friends.

I meant to start a diary at the start of the pandemic, but for the first time in my life I have been far too anxious and unsettled to write.

The first few weeks of lockdown were the worst – those blisteringly hot, seemingly endless days when we were confined to the house except for our permitted one walk per day.

We have been very lucky compared with many families – we were able to walk round our garden when we needed a breath of fresh air. It was a great comfort to see the spring flowers appearing and to watch birds playing on the lawn, oblivious to the drama unfolding in the human world.

Our son came home just before the start of the lockdown, and it has been a great comfort, knowing he was safe with us.

But the separation from other family members was the worst, especially my elderly parents and our daughter.

We missed our daughter’s birthday, and my sister’s too, during the lockdown. Video calls aren’t the same as a hug, but better than nothing. Even though the restrictions have eased, it still hurts that I can’t cuddle my Mum and Dad, or our daughter.

We have enjoyed a few days out recently, but with no end to our invisible enemy in sight, it is hard to see when or if our lives will ever return to normal.

I hope that you and your loved ones are keeping well – and staying safe.