‘The last few weeks have made me realise more than ever what a privilege it is to live in the wonderful county of Cheshire’
Life as we know it has changed beyond anything I could ever have imagined. Just a few weeks ago I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me we would be living in a country where the pubs, cinemas, hairdressers, gyms, and all those things we unconsciously took for granted were closed: that we would only be allowed out to make essential journeys, and for one session of exercise a day.
The coronavirus safety measures have affected all of us. In addition to the very real worry of someone you love being badly affected, every single one of us has had to adapt at speed to restrictions on our every day lives.
Big changes at short notice are challenging, and these are difficult days while we try to modify our expectations and accept our new normal.
In our house, to her huge disappointment, Scarlett’s GCSEs have been cancelled. She is managing to continue with her schoolwork, but quite rightly asks me regularly, “what is the point?” That question is so hard to answer.
Mia has had to readapt to family life and all its constraints after her first year of university (which she loved), ended abruptly three months early.
A month ago, I had never heard of furlough and I feel I am the lucky one; I still go to work to do my job, which is such an important part of my identity. It feels like a treat to be allowed to leave the house, not only to present Breakfast, but to be one of the few people who can have a face-to-face conversation with colleagues, many of whom I count as good friends.
In future I will never complain about that 03.40 alarm call again.
The last few weeks have made me realise more than ever what a privilege it is to live in the wonderful county of Cheshire.
As things stand, I am still able to go for my daily run with the dogs by the river, and it is with a new sense of wonder that I notice things that had seemed unimportant.
This week I caught a glimpse of the majestic pair of swans who nest here every year. The sight of them serenely gliding through the water gave me a glimmer of hope that one day, like them, we will be able to continue our normal lives again. I know when it does happen, I for one, will have a much deeper sense of gratitude.
