It’s been 11 months since we went into the 1st lockdown. A lot has happened since then, many people have lost their lives to COVID-19. Many families have lost loved ones; Fathers, Mothers, Husbands, Wives, Partners, Sons, Daughters, Grandparents, Siblings, Aunts, Uncles and Friends.

It is something I never imagined my generation would have to live through…almost impossible to think that a year ago we could meet up with friends, hug our grandparents, go to a cinema to watch a film with other people, having a fun day out in the city.

And then when given the specific rules:

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds
• Only leave the house for necessities, work, food and exercise
• Must wear a mask when in a public enclosed space
• You cannot physically interact with people outside your household – even if it is family or friends

This had become a very odd turn of events.

2020 has now ended, whilst 2021 has begun…I really do hope some people get their senses and think, to stay home, lives can be saved and perhaps with a little bit of hope, we can get some normality back in our lives by the end of this year.

This has been a long stretch for everyone, many have lost something important to them, whereas some may haven’t – however, everyone is in the same position in some respect.

With jobs on the line everywhere, some are on furlough, some have been made redundant. And some have managed to get new jobs – a personal CONGRATULATIONS to them because of how scarce they are currently.

Even though we have lost so much and gained so little, always in my mind I try to remain positive for what I have in front of me. Even though currently I cannot hug most of those I love, I appreciate and thank those that I have them in my life and my heart.

• To my Parents whom give me a home to live in, shelter to have over my head, food on my plate and being by my side.
• To my Sister, whom currently is working from home for Uni, but having her company and our funny moments.
• Our Dog and Cat who always want company and cuddles.
• To my Best Friend, who just lives up the road and I speak to almost everyday at the moment to have a general chit chat and a pick-me-up.
• To my Nana whom I see every so often in our bubble, but always playing the game against one another ”Words with Friends”.
• To my Grandparents, speaking now and again on the phone, and texting general chit chat and showing the puzzles we’ve done.
• To Morrisons, lucky enough to still having a job and to be able to appreciate my role whilst at work.
• To my Partner, been together for 4 years now. Missing him everyday but knowing when we can see each other again, we’ll cherish the time we can have together (but also I will not be letting go of him that long again).