‘Times like these remind us of what take for granted’
Brenda Naisby, 79, is a grandma from Washington.
As part of the #BeatCovidNE campaign, she has been keeping a diary of life during the pandemic.
ThisweekBrenda,whohas formedasupportbubblewith her daughter and grandchildrenwholivenearher,tellsus how she is adjusting to a third lockdown and the changes everyone must make to their daily behaviours to help the region beat the virus.
“Since the first lockdown, I’ve made an effort to consistently stick to the rules. I only mix with my support bubble and when lockdown three came into force, I reduced essential supermarket trips from twice a week to just once a week.
I walk to the supermarket and back home again, putting on my mask as soon as I step foot outside my home and I don’tremoveituntilIamsafely back indoors. I also go early when it’s quiet.
I think at a time like this, where Covid cases are higher than ever and hospitals are stretched, it’s wise to act like you’ve already got the virus. The isolation is tough mentally. I love seeing my friends and we used to do everything together and although I get to spend a couple of evenings at mydaughter’swhereIhavemy teaandenjoysomecompany,I miss going out and about and doingdifferentthingswithdifferent people.
That’s why it’s important to occupy your mind or body withsomethingelse–setyourself a challenge or take up a
new hobby. I have with quilting. I was so pleased with my first quilting attempt – I made myselfagorgeousquiltediPad cover. I am now moving onto making a quilted shopping bag. It requires a great deal of concentration but it’s great to learn this new skill, something I would never have done before Covid.
"Exercise wise, I miss my line dancing classes with the girlssoafewtimesaweekIpop a bit of Willie Nelson on Spotify and line dance. It helps to keep my spirits up and focus
onthefuturewhenwearefree of lockdowns.
"I know things seem dire but it’s times like these that remind us of what we are grateful for and the simple freedoms that we take for granted. It’s important to focusonthisandrealisethatthe vaccine is here now and we’re headingtowardsthefinalhurdle.
"However, before the vaccine can do its job in protectingpeople,thatresponsibility lieswithus.Wemustcontinue to follow the rules."The end is nearly in sight but for us to reach it, sticking to the rules and breaking the social contact chain that helps Covid to thriveismoreimportantthan ever.
BecauseI’mdesperate,like everyoneelse,forlifetoreturn to normal, I’m more determined than ever to hang on in there,sticktotherulesandget us out of this a lot quicker.
I can’t wait to see that day where we can all wake up in the morning and do whatever we feel like doing - whether that’s browsing the shops, going to the gym or for a swim or goingoutforsomedrinkswith a group of friends.
If we genuinely want these things in our life again, then we must follow the rules. The message is simple. Stay at home. Only go out if you need to. Stay local.
Inmyyoungeryears,Iused to be a keen rambler and the last bit of the walk was always thehardest.It’sabitlikewhere we’re at with the pandemic now.We’renearlythere,we’re at the toughest point, we just have to keep going.”