These are very strange, confusing and conflicting times. Working from home keeps me busy, helping operate a helpline to support the needs of those vulnerable & self-isolating in the community. We organise food packs for service users, signposting them to relevant support services, trying to meet their various needs and ease their worries at the same time.
I haven’t seen my parents in person for a few weeks, as my mum is high-risk suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. Thanks to technology I can see them as much as I want on various video calling apps, and catch up with a good old phone call. I do miss my parents’ hugs and just sitting with them, hearing them reminisce about their past and seeing them shower endless love on my children. I miss spontaneous breakfast dates with my sisters, popping in to see my siblings and nieces, and cuddles with my baby nephew. But alhamdulillah for health, and family, and home.
My team participated in our first Zoom video meeting last week. We enjoyed being able to ‘see’ each other and interact, even if it wasn’t in person. It was interesting seeing everyone in their home settings, with some of us making more of an effort getting ready than others!
I can’t get used to the concept of social distancing. I know it’s very important at the moment and will hopefully help to limit the devastating impact of this pandemic. But the physical closeness of family, friends, and colleagues is something very important to me, having a positive impact on my emotions and getting me through the day.
As I’m sure is the case with many people at the moment, my emotions can vary wildly throughout the day. I can start off the day giggling at a completely silly Bollywood-themed meme or video from one of the many WhatsApp groups buzzing with activity, and end it with crying over the life story of another tragic victim. I can spend most of the day moping about being completely unproductive and unable to concentrate on important tasks as I’m constantly thinking about the heartbreaking stories I keep reading, and yet other days I manage to cook, clean and sort out all those tasks I’d been putting off.
My younger son and I have been attempting a daily YouTube workout by Joe Wicks, otherwise known as "The Body Coach". Since the start of the lockdown in the UK, Joe has uploaded a daily workout which has quickly gained millions of views from all around the world, with people of all ages joining in with the range of exercises suitable for most people. My older (teenage) son looks at me mortified while he plays his online games, as I attempt lunges, squats and burpees, and whatever else I think I can try without breaking a bone! The daily workouts are now something we look forward to, as a time to have fun, be silly and laugh at each others’ attempts!
I ventured out for essential shopping yesterday, wearing a (thin) mask for the first time, bought from a guy who asked me to meet on a street corner (which my teenage son was extremely suspicious about). “Who are you meeting & where?” He asked, incredulous that I thought this was a good idea, leaving me wondering who the parent was….
My shopping trip was certainly unique, as wearing a mask and my hijab resulted in the mask constantly riding up to my eyes, and my gloved hand having to regularly pull it back down. I did feel like I was wearing a niqab, and got some strange looks in the store even though there were others wearing masks (but not hijabs). Anyway, I attempted to direct a half-smile at some people, which is what I normally do, then realised there was no point as they could only see my eyes! Yes, I know eyes smile too, but I was in no mood to display a big grin on my face for no reason.
My husband is a key worker, going out to work but worrying about the risks he brings back home. We are finding our feet with this new routine, but praying that it doesn’t become too familiar for too long.
I pray for the families of every victim who sadly lost their life to this virus, and for good health to those currently ill with symptoms. May God protect us all in these testing times, ameen. Please listen to the advice and stay home as much as possible.
