Catherine Evans

I feel fortunate. I wasn’t furloughed, I didn’t lose my job, I was allowed to work from home. Nobody I know personally got really sick with Covid. I entered lockdown having only just returned to work after a sudden illness that had left me feeling knocked about and very happy to be alive. 

That isn't to say that Lockdown didn't provide its frustrations. I was used to getting out and about with my toddler daughter, Connie. Suddenly being stuck at home....no trip to a gallery, trip to the shops, to the Library and a walk in the buggy could provide easy naps. I felt trapped. I had to learn to get my toddler to nap (not keen on Daddy doing it, given the choice) in the house. I spent a lot of time laid on my daughters bedroom floor. I felt like I used the beginning days doing all the mother / daughter tasks that were kept for rainy days. We painted, we baked, we planted cress. Within a few days I had used up all my ideas.

We were not used to spending so much time together as a family,  we were used to our own space. Time together usually left for fun times, days out, holidays. I mourned for holidays at first, 2 trips abroad cancelled. Thank goodness for Box Sets...(thanks to my Sister recommending Bosch - 7 Seasons!).

Lockdown only became bearable when I learnt how to slow down. Accept that sometimes the only thing you will do that day is perhaps make a nice tea. Me and Connie spent hours in our yard and running in the alleyways. I became obsessed with new plants, neighbours made the alleyway a pleasant space.

When I think to the first lockdown - I miss the quiet roads, the quiet streets and how I was given the chance to slow down and appreciate life.