Pages

18.11.20

LOCKDOWN BLUES

 

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.

34 comments:

  1. Priorities do change when circumstances change, don't they?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Who would have dreamt just a year ago what changes to our lives were about to hit us? Sad but very apt story, Liz.

    p.s. wishing your mother a very Happy Birthday :)

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    ReplyDelete
  3. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such a terrible situation for so many. Hope your Mum enjoys her birthday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She enjoyed it as much as she could - the Home did their best.

      Delete
  5. It 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's either a litter box or little plastic bags of poo. Both thoughts are what has prevented me from getting another pet.

      Delete
  6. A 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!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Glad your mom is still going strong and you and the fam are nearby and can visit her.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's lovely that you have her so close.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Until covid I could just walk along any time.

      Delete
  9. Ending 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you, Keith, but then I'm not 96.

      Delete
  10. Difficult times for all, and maybe a foretaste of a difficult future.
    Best of luck, Liz, to you and your mum

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks CE, I hope the future will be brighter.

      Delete
  11. it helps if she has access to social media. an ipad for christmas will be an excellent gift. virtual connection can suffice in the meantime. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Everything 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On the other hand, some people are stuck in lockdown with people they'd rather be without. Being solitary has its upside!

      Delete
  13. A familiar tale for this year i'm sorry to say

    ReplyDelete
  14. It'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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The 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.

      Delete
  15. Hello Liz... is it you contacting me on facebook?

    a bit surprised actually.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not me, Bjorn, I've been hacked. Sorry xx

      Delete
  16. I just could not depart your website before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual information an individual provide on your visitors? Is gonna be again frequently in order to check out new posts

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are actually impressive ideas in regarding blogging. You have touched some pleasant things here. Any way keep up wrinting.

    ReplyDelete

Do leave a message before you go!