The Lockdown Chronicles…

The Lockdown Chronicles…

3 April 2020

24/03/20
Hi everyone!

Probably a daft question to ask how everyone’s doing, but I’ll go ahead and ask anyway! I really hope you’re all ok, no matter what situation this lockdown has put you in.
Right now, I’m feeling this weird mix of sadness, fear, and uncertainty – which is probably the same for most people. Writing this is tinged with a bit of sadness, as it will probably be my last blog for a little while, so I’ll fill it up as much as I can, so you don’t miss me too much. 💚

COVID-19 has spread like wildfire, and brought with it heartache, sadness, and total chaos to a world that had only just welcomed in a promising new year. I hope whenever you are, that you are staying safe, and making sure those who are vulnerable around you are doing the same.
I had an eye-opening conversation with one of my best friends yesterday, who works in a hospital for the NHS – and following that, I would urge you, with every fibre of my being, to keep your loved ones safe and only go out if you absolutely have to. The NHS, while it is filled with true real-life superheroes, it is stretched beyond its limits – and there are only so many people they can fight for in one go. Monday night, Boris Johnson put stringent measures in place to try and stop the spread. Please listen to him, please don’t put a selfish decision in front of another’s life. Only go out if you really have to.

The Briars will be staying open, in a very reduced capacity, to provide urgent care to patients who need us. This is firstly to continue giving our patients the care they have come to expect from us, but is secondly, to try and deflect pressure away from 111, and help those in genuine need of dental intervention. Believe me when I say how much it saddens us to close our doors to our patients, and to potential new smiles – but these are unprecedented times, and we all need to do what we can to flatten the curve, and stop the spread.

On a lighter note, lets talk about last weekend!
It was a really special one for me – my first official Mother’s Day! Richard spoiled me last year and got me a card and flowers from the bump – but this year it was the real deal. I had the most delicious little chunk waking me up with ‘MAMA!’ whilst attempting to use my sleeping figure as a climbing frame. Standard for us at the moment.
Freddie’s now 9 months old, and growing so fast. His current interest is climbing the stairs, and worryingly, he’s getting quicker every day. He’s learned how to throw, so most of his food now ends up at least a metre away from the highchair…a real delight when you’ve spent half an hour prepping him a baby friendly gourmet meal(!)
(I’ve tried to explain that we’re currently in a bit of a sticky situation as far as food goes, so maybe we could eat our slice of toast rather than sharing with the cats, but he didn’t appear overly bothered…)
Anyway, my boys spoiled me with some beautiful flowers, and some incredible hand drawn pictures. Rich drew them with the idea that we decorate them with Freddie’s hand and footprints. The perfect craft project for lockdown – nice and messy in the sunshine!
While Sunday wasn’t quite how I’d envisaged my first Mother’s Day, it was, in so many ways, perfect. I got to spend the whole day with my baby, I got to eat all the naughty foods I love, and I managed to have both an undisturbed bath and a lie-in! Winning!
The only real downside to the day was that I missed seeing my own Mum terribly – the first Mother’s Day we’ve not spent together in 28 years.
Saying that though, we are so lucky to live in a world where we can use things like FaceTime and Skype to be together, even when we are apart. We still chatted, laughed and loved like we always do in person, so apart from the big cuddle – nothing really changed.

The next few months are going to be a real challenge for everyone. I know the lack of physical contact with my family and friends is going to be really emotional, and really tough – but we’re all in the same boat, and this isn’t forever. I’m just feeling now how I felt towards the end of my Pregnancy – bored of waiting, and ready for cuddles.
Just think how much we’ll all appreciate the smaller joys in life when this is over. Never again will we take for granted popping over to see someone for a cuppa, or wandering into town on the weekend for a stroll around the shops. That cold glass of vino in the pub garden will never have tasted better.
Bring it on.

For now though, we must all dig deep into the British spirit. We can’t quite adopt the ‘keep calm, carry on’ approach, but we can keep calm, and keep hold of hope. This will all end eventually, and life will get back to what is likely to be a new version of normal. Loo roll will be back on the shelves, pasta will no longer be a worth more than gold, and the Briars doors will be open once again.

For now, all my lovely readers, please stay safe. I’ll see you soon.

Lots of love, Amy. x