Covid- my reflection.

Hello.

I started out writing this whilst feeling sad and reflective and yet ended up thinking about what a brilliant group of friends and amazing family I have- and how Covid has brought the best out in so many people and places.

I usually write about work related topics on my blog, but because we have been going through such a difficult time with Covid 19, and because I have had some time to reflect on the journey so far, I decided to share my thoughts here. I realise every family has important stories to tell; I think and hope this is going to help me to be positive and manage a day of uncertainty today!

Covid 19-

Jonathan

After nearly 18 months of living with- and understanding more about- Covid 19, my family have been hit increasingly hard in the last few weeks by this horrendous virus.

My brother Jonathan, who has multiple Special Educational Needs, is currently in one of the high dependency wards at Hull Royal Infirmary battling Covid and pneumonia- in a stable condition. As you can imagine, our family and friends- an particularly our Mum- are all very anxious and desperately hoping he can come through this. As a vulnerable person, who lives in a residential home in Beverley, the challenge is perilous. This is especially difficult to take after he has isolated from us for almost 18 months. We are so grateful to the Hull Royal Infirmary staff and East Riding staff at New House in Beverley for all their hard work, support and professionalism. We are praying for a good outcome!

Mum

So very sadly, we lost my Dad three years ago and had been supporting Mum daily when Covid hit. She has been so brave and resilient, as have so many people during this difficult time. She self-isolated for months, being supported by her local shop in Skirlaugh for supplies. We bought her an I-phone and she is now an expert at facetime and texting. We are all so proud of her. As a teacher, I have avoided too much contact with her for fear of fetching any germs to her house. It is really difficult. At 82 years old, she is still so determined and strong. What a woman!

Other elderly members of the family have also been incredible in these difficult times- as is also the case right across the world. They have endured loneliness, restrictions and other difficulties as a result of the pandemic. This seems so unfair.

Megan

My oldest daughter Megan lives in London with her lovely partner Tom, and they have been working from home for 18 months. This comes with its own challenges including setting up a suitable workspace, ensuring good mental health and keeping up with exercise. They have been great in supporting each other and work so hard at Cosmopolitan and EuroSport respectively. Again, we are so proud of them. I am so glad they are together. We have hardly seen them this year and can’t wait for some proper time together soon. Thank goodness we all spent holiday time together last summer- very happy, special memories.

Ruth

My middle daughter Ruth spent the first few months of lockdown completing a Masters in her flat in Leeds. This was a really scary time, when everything about the pandemic was new. Yet again, really challenging for the mental health and well-being of our young people. She has gone on- with her partner Tom- to relocate in Manchester, to follow her dream of becoming an Embryologist. They have created a lovely home for themselves. Once again, I am so proud. Ruth and Tom are brilliant and fantastic support for each other and they have been really brave, independent and resilient to have carved their lives out together under such difficult circumstances. It will be great to share some time with you in your home soon- and hopefully get the Masters graduations we deserve.

Isabel

Over the last two years, my youngest daughter Isabel has undertaken A levels at Wyke College in Hull, almost entirely online- from her bedroom. I am amazed by her resilience because I know how hard this has been. She recently celebrated her 18^th birthday after having to miss out on so many events which people her age usually experience. She has worked through the days of anxiety as the education department decided how her learning would be assessed. She recently had Covid herself and although she felt very ill at home for a few days, is now recovered. Again, I am hugely proud and really hope she attains the grades she wants in order to go to Newcastle University to study Speech and Language in the Autumn.

The youngest members of our family have been born into a pandemic and are now just starting to experience more of a ‘normal’ life. Times have been so difficult for us all and it will take a long time for these effects to ease. I found it particulary difficult not being able to see my great-nieces and my partner’s nephew- a matter of months makes such a difference to their development. Thank goodness we can all start to catch up now- carefully.

Vinny

My partner has just completed a Degree in History and Politics, achieving a 1^st. We are all so proud. He spent most of the pandemic at home, again, working online. He has missed out on the opportunity to undertake valuable work experience and voluntary work and looks forward to now being able to locate some such experiences. Well done Vinny- you are an absolute star.

My nephew Andy has also suffered from Covid and is literally just coming out of it. He has recently finished the first year of a degree and once again, we are all so proud of his achievements. I really feel for young people because of the pressures they are placed under by social media, the education system and the pressure of working hours/ ethos in our country.

These are stories that I know are replicated across the country- which is so sad. I really just wanted to commit the experiences of my family to paper as a record and in order to express my thanks, pride and complete love for them all.

School

Lastly, working in school – which I absolutely love- has been such a tricky experience over this last 18 months. It has really brought teams together as staff have had to be so flexible, accurate regarding restrictions and processes and supportive. Our young people have been absolutely amazing. They have had to be flexible, brave, resilient, patient and work so hard. Their transferable skills have been developing rapidly! They have missed out on experiences and have coped so well. I am really proud of them. They have been in school and then out of school- it must have been so confusing at times. Many children missed their last days at school this summer term which made them feel really sad but they have powered on- all absolute super stars. I completely applaud them, their families and our amazing team at work.

The journey is on-going and we will be working really hard in the Autumn again with our next group of young children heading into the juniors…

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Then I thought about all the zooming and connectivity Covid has created and that really made me smile. I am proud and truly blessed to have some amazing friends and colleagues at PSQM, the ASE, East Riding College and SEERIH. These meetings- some work and some pleasure- have really been important in keeping connected during this most difficult of times- and continue to be so. Thank you to all you lovely science and education lot! You really are awesome.