Getting by…

[image error]I’ve been reading so many positive posts about this weird time and I’ve taken something from all of them.

We’ll get through this, but I wonder if you’re feeling like I am today. Truths are niggling at me and I need to share so that you can shake me out of my blues.

“Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune,

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

Be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

No less than the trees and the stars:

You have a right to be here.”

Extracted from Desiderata by Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

 

This weekend we should be entertaining our three Italian friends who were supposed to visit. There were all kinds of plans afoot to share glimpses of the Sussex countryside, take them on visits, introduce them to fish and chips and afternoon tea. We’d also be preparing to return to our home in Italy for the rest of the summer. I’m making do with photos and Facetime instead.

The rug has been pulled out from under us, hasn’t it?  It’s a time of uncertainty and questioning. The open door and freedom to travel has been replaced with time to travel within ourselves and to examine our hearts.

[image error]

 

Being retired, our daily life is not really radically different. We are lucky to own our own home, have food on the table, a garden to sit in and countryside to walk in each day.  Our routine is more or less the same although I ache to cuddle my children and grandchildren.

But I can’t stop thinking of the broken and lonely at this time. And the front-line workers. And the way we have been abusing our planet.  It is as if our life is being scoured with a Brillo pad, scratching away at all the tarnished bits and revealing what really lies underneath. We lived in Tanzania for three years. I can’t imagine how they will cope with their medical system, how people living in slum conditions can possibly manage social distancing. How are our own homeless faring and victims of abuse confined indoors?[image error]

Let’s share some thoughts on how to go forward and prop each other up with hopeful thoughts, friends. There are glimmers of positive vibes: kindness is blossoming and neighbours are helping each other. The radio Deejays are trying their best to lighten our days, there are amazing people fundraising – including our valiant veteran, Captain Tom Moore, who walked 100 lengths of his garden and raised £23,000,000. Our NHS front-line workers are truly incredible.

I am researching which charities to support and ways of helping others. Your suggestions would be so welcome. We all need help.

In the meantime, I wish you all peace in your hearts.

“Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly…”

From Dreams by Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

[image error]