The New Normal

This ‘New Normal’ has heightened our awareness and sensitivity to nature, our surroundings, the stillness and clean air.

Talents that we never thought we had, we are now perfecting to quite an acceptable level. I spend more time in my garden and it has never looked so fine with masses of vegetables on their way! I will be able to set up a stall! My 9-year-old granddaughter has become an absolute wizard with technology and my two 3-year-old grandchildren, (who are gradually becoming feral), have substantially perfected their language and cognitive skills. Children have never wanted or needed to go back to school more than they do now.

“Pause for Thought” – Radio 2

Just before ‘Father’s Day’, I listened to Dr Jim Harris he was about to go to see his parents for the first time since March. He said, “Everything is familiar, but nothing is as it should be”. He was replanting his window box and found a hen’s egg amongst the dead flowers. “Strange indeed,” he said, “to find something so marvellously unexpected in somewhere as familiar as a window box”. Probably left by a fox he thought. He pointed out how the world has become extraordinary. “This was a strange and alarming accident,” he said. “A wildly mysteriously unexpected gift”. He continued to highlight how community projects have pulled out all the stops to answer the needs of the vulnerable. “The world has been transformed and turned upside down by the actions and voices of plain people in unexpected ways.”

We are here to help

So, it is a great relief that some of our elderly are beginning to see family members at last. However, some are still in lockdown due to their vulnerability which is so hard for them all.  Some do not understand, and some are really beginning to suffer emotionally and mentally.  As if just being old isn’t enough to cope with.  One could go on about the millions of people who are being affected by this deadly virus.

We all know this virus is going to be around for a long time, ultimately until they find a vaccine.  I have hope. They found vaccines for polio, smallpox, measles etc. They will find one for Covid–19.  In the meantime, we have to change our lives to a ‘New Normal’, make the most of the natural world, try to keep fit and healthy, be kind and considerate to others less fortunate and adapt to staying safe.