Dear people, the world has turned into a surreal place. 2019 ended with some pretty devastating bushfires in our Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island and the extensive fires across the three eastern states of the continent of Australia, Queensland, New South Wales then Victoria.
The fires raged for some time.
Then into the second month of the year, one of my darling siblings became very unwell and after a short aggressive illness passed away.
During the time we were dealing with the devastating illness and then subsequent loss of our sis, this thing called the Corona Virus was filtering through my newsfeed, but I didn't really pay it much attention due to overwhelming grief. Now the virus has hit our shores and the experts for weeks have been saying phrases such as "social distancing", "total lock downs", "close all schools", "we need to take all steps to stop the spread" and plenty of others.
The number of those infected is steadily rising and we appear to be on par with Italy with it's trajectory. Basically, what we are doing now, is impacting on where we will be in two weeks time. It's scary, and it's time to bunker down. People have to stop being selfish, and I heard an expert today say we need to have at least 80 percent of the population not mixing with others. That apparently will be enough to stop the spread along with good hygiene, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for 60 seconds (or if soap and water not available with alcohol gel for 20 seconds), cough and or sneeze into the crook of your arm, or a tissue. Only use tissues once and immediately dispose of. Wipe surfaces regularly, workstation twice a day. Wipe down any surfaces before you leave them for the next person, similarly, wipe surfaces of table, chairs if someone else has been there.
All of this COVID19 stuff has distracted me from my grief sufficiently to get through a few hours at a time without bursting into tears. I've also been throwing myself more into my knitting and spinning. I have a weaving loom also which I wanted to have my late sis to help me with - she was a fabulous textile artist in her early adult years. Talented at so many things. She encouraged me to be creative - I learned to spin from the same art teacher that taught her at High School. Our sis also loved to cook - so when I spin and when I cook, I feel close to her in a nice comforting way.
She was aware I had registered the business name "Snickella" (which is a collective name of my 3 kids). She thought it was great. I want her to be proud of me, so I'm picking up the pieces again and trying to find my way through this tough time.
During this tough time, take time to nurture yourself. Be kind to yourself and others.
Ps i wrote this in March. Forgot I had been hospitalised in January due to everything going to shit. Now its September and things feel a little bit easier... will write more soon.
