LOCKDOWN BLUES
I fought to stay in my own home – the small flat
Dennis and I shared holds such happy memories.
“You’d have company every day in the nursing home,
Mum,” Fran said each time she visited.
“A load of geriatrics,” I’d replied, “And I’d miss my
garden.”
She refrained from reminding me I was eighty-six, and
dropped the subject.
But this virus has made my home a prison. No shopping trips, no Age Concern lunches, the library’s shut, and my garden is in shadow all day.
To top it all, there’s nobody to talk to since my cat died.
.............................................................................................
Unfortunately, this is the situation many old people find themselves in - and some not so old, too. We bless the day, last January, when we moved my Mum into a nursing home. It's just up the road from me, so I can visit regularly. Even in Covid times they have allowed distanced visits in the conservatory, and although we can't hug, we can talk. Today is Mum's 96th birthday, and I've arranged to visit bearing gifts. Here she is talking to my son.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MUM XX
Thanks to Sarah Potter for the image and Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog: https://rochellewisoff.com/ from whence you can follow the link to read other stories.
Priorities do change when circumstances change, don't they?
ReplyDeleteIndeed they do!
DeleteWho would have dreamt just a year ago what changes to our lives were about to hit us? Sad but very apt story, Liz.
ReplyDeletep.s. wishing your mother a very Happy Birthday :)
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Last year seems a decade ago!
DeleteSo sad, Lizy.
ReplyDeleteI am lucky it's not autobiographical.
DeleteI feel so sorry for all the elderly people who can't see anyone, for all the sick people who have to isolate and for all those in hospital who can't have visitors to brighten up their day. For some of us this time will pass but for others it is indeed a prison. Thank you for your heartfelt post.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly, Linda.
DeleteSuch a terrible situation for so many. Hope your Mum enjoys her birthday!
ReplyDeleteShe enjoyed it as much as she could - the Home did their best.
DeleteIt is so true that pets can help the elderly. My father has trouble walking but I wish he didn't because he wants a puppy so badly. I think he would love a cat too but the whole litterbox thing....ugh.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's either a litter box or little plastic bags of poo. Both thoughts are what has prevented me from getting another pet.
DeleteA sad reality for far too many. And how fantabulous that your Mum is just a hop,step and a jump away! Happy birthday to her!
ReplyDeleteWe are very lucky.
DeleteGlad your mom is still going strong and you and the fam are nearby and can visit her.
ReplyDeleteShe gets more visitors than most!
DeleteIt's lovely that you have her so close.
ReplyDeleteUntil covid I could just walk along any time.
DeleteEnding up in a home filled with people my age would be my worst nightmare, I think I'd rather be alone with my TV for company for the next few months. Having said that, I might think differently if I actually was in that situation. Clearly it's worked out for your Mom and she had a wonderful birthday for sure!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Keith, but then I'm not 96.
DeleteDifficult times for all, and maybe a foretaste of a difficult future.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, Liz, to you and your mum
thanks CE, I hope the future will be brighter.
Deleteit helps if she has access to social media. an ipad for christmas will be an excellent gift. virtual connection can suffice in the meantime. :)
ReplyDeleteMum couldn't handle an iPad.
DeleteEverything I hear says we're in for a tighter lockdown than ever. And the cure is worse than the virus, if we're to believe the stats on suicide, spousal abuse, alcoholism and drugs, child abuse. People just were not meant to be alone all the time.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, some people are stuck in lockdown with people they'd rather be without. Being solitary has its upside!
DeleteA familiar tale for this year i'm sorry to say
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately yes.
DeleteIt's wonderful you were able to get your mum into a good nursing home and you can visit. This transition for elders is certainly difficult enough. I feel for those who are struggling so during this time. Lovely photo of your mum and your son!
ReplyDeleteThe quality of a nursing home should be measured in the happiness of their residents. This NH doesn't score high on the usual scales, but Mum is happy and so are we.
DeleteHello Liz... is it you contacting me on facebook?
ReplyDeletea bit surprised actually.
Not me, Bjorn, I've been hacked. Sorry xx
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ReplyDelete