Mother’s Day 2020

I don’t quite know where to start on this blog. It’s been a Mother’s Day like no other and the first one on which I haven’t seen my mum. Like many families, we heeded government advice to maintain a social distance.

I am not afraid to say that I have done a complete U-turn with regard to Coronavirus. When I first heard of it a few weeks ago, I was rather dismissive. I couldn’t see how it could be worse than “ordinary flu.” Don’t get me wrong. I know how terrible influenza is. I’ve had it once in my life and I have never felt as ill. That was 16 years ago when I had a two-year old and a babe-in-arms. It floored me for two full weeks. I really wouldn’t want it again.

I truly did not believe Corvid-19 could be that much more virulent and deadly. But it is. The harrowing images on the news and online, not to mention science and medicine confirm this.  As I write, the government has closed pubs, bars, restaurants. There are no sporting fixtures (amateur and professional), and many shops and businesses have closed indefinitely.

My own position as an optometrist is that NHS England and our professional advisory bodies advise that it is safe to see asymptomatic patients. As a profession, we are taking extra precautions to protect ourselves and our patients, but it doesn’t take away the fact that we cannot possibly maintain the safe distance of two metres. We have masks, gloves and safety goggles on order and until we are told otherwise, we will carry on working. I think that will change over the next few days. As I type, we have the tv on ready for an update from Downing Street.

Anyway, back to Mother’s Day. Although I didn’t see my mum, I did of course see my own children. My precious teenagers who gave me beautiful cards and thoughtful gifts as well as a cup of tea in bed. It’s a gorgeous day, so the three of us went for a walk around Skipton Woods. We did see some other people but not many. There were no large groups. Skipton itself seemed quiet- I’m thankful that the visitors we usually welcome to our lovely little town had also heeded advice and stayed home.

These photographs will forever remind me of this most unsettling, unprecedented time. I am so incredibly grateful for my family and I am so very glad that I could talk to my mum on the phone. Once this is over, we as a family will celebrate birthdays, Mother’s Day and Easter. I am fortunate that unlike those who have lost their mother, I will be able to hug her again once it is safe to do so.

I hope you are all well and are keeping yourselves and your loved ones safe (and sane!).