Day 9 – Isolation

I missed yesterday thrilling instalment of my isolation journey! I am still coughing and yesterday I woke up with a strained voice – it never feels like it’s leaving me. I have stuffy nose, my head aches and I have some aching in my chest from all the coughing…but otherwise I’m not too bad. I am still feeling drained from it though.

Boys had a nice day of learning and they did well with the things that I asked them to do. Oliver has been quite good at his times tables actually. I was surprised at how well he can do them! Ethan is reading a chapter of a book each day and reciting it back to me afterwards (just so I know he’s actually reading it and not just skimming)

Afterwards they enjoyed some of the sun that we are having, running around on their bikes, playing with Ethans action cam and playing football – both boys are taking this isolation remarkably well. Neither are complaining about the lack of activities. In fact, I think they quite enjoy being at home. Myself and my husband are struggling with it just a little bit. We have always been home birds anyway, much preferring to be in together than out, but we like taking the boys different places…and knowing that those options aren’t available sucks just a teeny weeny bit. I know that in the grand scheme of things then it’s not important, but it still bugs me. Our whole life has been changed, and it is only a minor interruption for us…I think of all those people whose lives have been permanently changed or scarred by this virus. I look forward to when life can return back to normal a bit.

The highlight of the day yesterday was most definitely the applause the nation gave to the NHS staff. I had seen posts for it days in advance and had thought that just a few might carry it out, but I was brought to tears by how many stood on their doorsteps and clapped for the staff who are working around the clock on the frontline. My Street was full! And it was heartwarming! I felt ready and although I’ve only been locked inside for over a week, it felt nice seeing neighbours for the first time In what feels like forever. We pass each other everyday and go about our lives with greetings but yesterday we all came together. I was teary then and even more teary when I looked on social media and saw how many joined in with this appreciation display! It was amazing! And definitely something I think we should all do again! I saw people saying that we should mark the day and I for one would be okay with that!