Gran-of-eight Maggie Clayton’s weekly diary
Looking for practical advice, relationship help or emotional support? As a mum of four, gran of eight and dear friend to many, Margaret Clayton’s years of experience make her the ideal person to turn to
Dear Maggie
When lockdown started last year I coped reasonably well with it. I obeyed the rules about social distancing. I stopped entertaining people at home or going out for meals with them. My two sons and their wives did likewise. We kept in touch by phone calls and Zoom, and that was fine.
But now that we’re into another year, I can’t help feeling bored with the monotony of it all. When will it ever end? My husband says I’m making a fuss about it all and eventually life will return to normal. But I feel we are missing out on so much. This week was my birthday and normally my daughter-inlaws have a party for me but of course that couldn’t happen. They came round in the car and gave me cards and presents but I so much missed having a cuddle from my grandchildren.
I just wish there was something to look forward to.
Maggie says
I know it’s very difficult to cope with the isolation which lockdown has created. No matter what age we are, we all need social interaction and a chance to catch up with family and friends. Relationships need nurturing, but the dangers of Coronavirus are so acute that we have to take every precaution we can to stop it spreading. You are not alone in feeling isolated but, for now, you will have to accept that we cannot socialise in the way we once did. Phone calls and Zoom give us an option to keep in touch with what is happening in the lives of our family and friends. Make the most of that. Try to stay positive and cheerful. Give yourself time and space to enjoy reading, catching up with DVDS, watching TV, phoning family and friends. I have one friend who is re-decorating her house and another who has signed up for online French lessons. She plans to visit Paris later in the year once flights return to normal. Now that the vaccine is available to fight coronavirus, hopefully it won’t be too long before life returns to normal. So please try to stay strong.
Dear Maggie
Every January, my husband and I start to plan our summer holiday. Sometimes we go alone, other times we invite our two sons and their wives to join us.
I ordered a pile of brochures and started looking through them, wondering if they would fancy Greece or Majorca? My husband says it would be foolish to do it right now, as there is every chance the flights and holidays will be cancelled because of the pandemic.
I think it is important to be optimistic but he doesn’t agree. What’s wrong in having something to look forward to?
Are you struggling in these uncertain times? Contact Maggie for advice
by emailing ps@sundaypost.
com
Maggie says
I can understand that planning a holiday is a positive thing and will lift your spirits. But perhaps it might be worth waiting a little bit longer to see how the pandemic will affect things this summer. Some flights might still be cancelled, which would be disappointing. I know I’m going to wait a little longer before I make plans. My husband and I agree that perhaps this is the year for us to do a staycation and travel around Britain. Whatever happens, just getting away to explore somewhere new always lifts the spirits.
Maggie Listens, The Sunday Post, Speirs View, 50 Craighall Road, Glasgow G4 9UD maggielistens@sundaypost.com