Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Covid saw me put my energy in to making the year count for my family
Some good came out of lock down in italy
An Airdrie woman who told her early lockdown story from Milan ahead of Covid-19 reaching Scotland has shared her experiences of emerging from the pandemic more than 18 months on.
Dawn Jane Keogh first told Advertiser readers in early March 2020 how she and young daughter Sofia Grace were confined to their home as Italy initially imposed strict coronavirus measures including the unprecedented closure of shops, businesses and schools – which were then replicated back in her home town just over a week later.
She told how she and friends have lost loved ones during a “difficult year for everyone”; but how she was finally able to make a visit home to Scotland to see her beloved family, and shared the good news that she is awaiting the imminent arrival of a new baby.
Dawn Jane told how from last autumn varying restrictions known as zone red, orange and green had been in place at different times in her home region of Lombardia, describing it as like “a game of twister”. She added: “I’ve been quarantined four times, each for 14 days, as a result of Covid outbreaks in the schools and sports sectors I work in, even though I’d tested negative.
“Most school lessons were online due to outbreaks; I can’t help but think how much childhood has been robbed as a result of this. My daughter has coped incredibly well and has a resilience I’ve never seen in anyone else.”
Dawn Jane said that when lockdown began: “I had a sixth sense this would go on for a long time. I didn’t think so many people I know personally would ever have suffered the way they did, and I’ve lost count of how many people have lost loved ones and how many vulnerable lives have been affected as a result of this pandemic.”
She and Sofia were finally able to return to Scotland for the first time in more than a year to be reunited with family; although she told how with Italy being an amber zone at the time of the trip, it required 10 days’ quarantine on arrival and a further five on returning to Italy, plus the purchase of Covid testing kits. Dawn Jane added: “My grandparents have been my heroes – they’re 80 and should have their large family around them, but have never complained once. My grandfather even received his 80th birthday cake to the door with the restrictions. They’re a pair of legends.”
A teacher and fitness coach, she has taken her work online in the past year and is now growing a thriving wellness business, amassing thousands of followers to her social media accounts.
She said: “It’s boomed since lockdown as a big result of gyms being closed. More people than ever want to get balance back into their lives.
“Engagement with my social media account excelled after lockdown; I’m approached for a wide range of things, particularly anxiety, confidence, weight and hormonal issues.
“Various international schools in Milan have approached me to work with children as a specialist wellness coach and I can’t wait to finally have the opportunity to teach these life skills, in a classroom environment. I love my job and being a service to others.
“This year has been bittersweet and full-on, but I coped with the restrictions by using it as an opportunity to grow and evolve. I’ve put all my energy into making this year count for my family, and expecting a baby is something good to come out of it.”
Dawn’s website is www.coachdjk. com or find her at @coachdjk on Instagram.
I used the restrictions as an opportunity to grow and evolve