COVID-19 and a Gift as Good as Gold
The silver lining around the dark clouds of the COVID19 pandemic allows us to appreciate the kindness of our neighbours during this very difficult time. It’s an affirmation of my faith in humanity when strangers reach out and show that they care.
Beside my two-bedroom house is a residential complex filled with young couples. Before the outbreak, I would occasionally wave a hand and say good morning or afternoon as they passed by my yard when they took their children to school or walked their dogs. Aside from these pleasantries, I really don’t know much about them, but on occasion when they stopped by to have a quick chat, I made them aware that I have dementia.
The COVID-19 crisis has drastically changed my daily routine. I now confine myself in my backyard and keep busy by raking dried leaves, pruning branches from long-neglected apple and plum trees, and taking on the often-avoided task of turning the compost pile.
Onabright, sunny day in the middle of March, I was hunched over mymuchloved David Austin rose bush, tidying up broken branches and giving it a little bit of Epsom salt and fertilizer. I heard a voice call my name and when I looked up, I saw Boss, my neighbours Rachel andMatthew’s dog. Thecouple wasclose behind. “This is for you,” Rachel said as she laid a small bag on the ledge of the gate.
Peering through the clear plastic bag, I saw about a dozen face masks and a bright pink note with two telephone numbers on it. “Please don’t hesitate to call, just in case,” were Matthew’s words. I felt that I had just received a gift that was good as gold.
As I look back on that morning faced with the grim reality of events now unfolding in our community, I’m reassured that I’ll be alright. I’m comforted by the thought that I’m surrounded by caring neighbours and that I’m not alone.
Here are some of Mario’s tips for getting through the pandemic:
• If you’re sick, stay home • Avoid gathering in groups and stay 2 metres apart • Play games with others online • Work from home • Have virtual hangouts with friends and family via video calls • Go for well-spaced walks with your family
Whether you’re living with dementia or are caring for someone with the disease, you’re not alone. Alzheimer Societies across Canada are here to help. Find a society in your community at alzheimer.ca.