ATTITUDE & GRATITUDE
There has been plenty to learn about life during the lockdown
After living in my apartment for five decades, I am finally getting to know it — or, at least, how to take care of it — and the culprit, of course, is COVID -19.
Around the middle of March, we — especially those of us seniors — were banished to our living quarters. “Stay at home” was the new mantra and rightly so, considering what might otherwise await.
Sadly for me, among those who stayed at home was my cleaning lady, by now a dear friend, having offered her services for the past 40 or so years. I soon realized what her absence would entail. As the saying goes, “You never miss the water till the well runs dry.” On my own, I had to get acquainted with several household appliances and cleaning products.
Very proud of my new vacuum cleaner when I bought it a year or so ago, we were now in proximity. Studying the instructions, I was surprised to find out all it can do. While my lady made pushing the powerful tool around and under furniture seem like child’s play, I found it quite a chore. Boy, is that thing heavy.
Mopping floors was not much fun, either. Or, as my friend Lilian puts it “housework and growing old is not for sissies.” She is right on both counts.
In many other ways, too, I had to change my attitude. While I had been on the receiving end of people’s services, I realized that now I had to provide them myself. Among the services were those of my hairdresser, Toni, in whose salon I am a “regular.”
With the shop shuttered, I had to become a “regular” in my own home. As the weeks went by, my hair growing, greying and selfstyled, the tousled image reflected in the mirror was becoming less and less familiar. I was afraid that, in a few weeks, I would not have recognized myself.
Similarly missed were services of manicure and pedicure experts. I used to love doing my own nails, but with failing eyesight, I now leave the job to the pros. A good pedicure was even more missed as walking became more and more difficult. Fortunately, these services have been reinstated and are again available, if needed.
Besides performing chores, I also have become better acquainted with the contents of cupboards, closets and shelves, having the time to inspect, organize and perhaps declutter. The kitchen, in particular, has assumed a more important role. Not visiting stores and dependent on deliveries, I had to hone my culinary skills to use the ingredients I have on hand to best advantage, with menus becoming somewhat repetitive.
Following instructions from experts, keeping a clean house has also become a priority, with frequent wiping.
Along with a new attitude, I also seem to have acquired new gratitude. While I really did not know my house, it seems I did not really know people surrounding me, either. Over the weeks, old and new acquaintances have turned into friends with their constant kindness and attentiveness. While I used to complain about not getting enough phone calls and emails, I now have a hard time keeping up with them. Friends send entertaining videos; the phone rings from morning to evening as we exchange news and survival tips. Neighbours inquire how I am doing, organizations check up on me; all break the silence of solitude and earn my gratitude.
Another object of my gratitude is being able to breathe fresh air. Going for a walk, something I have always taken for granted, has become a treat during lockdown days. Just stepping out on the balcony or stepping out the front door of my building now counts as a special event. I hope that, when things return to “normal” I will continue to appreciate the refreshing effects of daily exercise and walk.
I also hope that the lessons learned during lockdown will not be lost on me.
Over the weeks, old and new acquaintances have turned into friends with their constant kindness and attentiveness. While I used to complain about not getting enough phone calls and emails, I now have a hard time keeping up with them.
Alice Lukacs