Alone But Not Alone

I’m still finding it difficult to understand the dichotomy of self-isolation and social distancing with the sense of togetherness that Coronavirus is creating. We’re striving for non-contact under a threat that’s pulling us together. Our aloneness is our weapon against this virus – provided we all take up arms together.

Togetherness is everywhere: communal shopping lists; the plethora of hilarious videos that traverse the globe; the whoops of delight from kids and dads playing in the back garden – on a weekday. Yay!

On my daily walk I’m moved by the array of homemade rainbows. A particular favourite, spotted in my local pub window, was created by Barry, age 36! I’m also aware of a persistent humming, sounding a bit like Dr Who’s tardis landing.  A spray of water as I stride past a driveway reveals all – a jet washer. There must be an awful lot of jet washer owners in my manor – and some sparklingly clean patios. 

Another activity that has been taken up with gusto is ‘de-cluttering’. Marie Kondo has a lot to answer for. Over Easter, daughter cleaned out our lean-to. We now have two massive piles of ‘stuff’ in the back garden: pile one: refuse centre; pile two: charity shop, neither of which are open, of course. 

So, those of us who are well are making improvements at home – and if you stay up past midnight you might beat the other 349,000 people waiting to order online from B&Q.

But, for those people who are in hospital with the virus, and for their loved ones waiting at home, togetherness is not an option.