Chronicles of COVID-19

Title

Bernadette, West Waterford

Contributor

Bernadette

Subject

COVID-19 (Disease)

Coverage

Ireland; Cork; 2020s:

Date

14 April 2020

Language

English

Creator

Cork Folklore Project

Rights

Cork Folklore Project

Description

GENERAL PHYSICAL LOCATION RIGHT NOW

Clashmore, Co Waterford.

USUAL LOCATION

Same.

Q. 1 STAGES

Initially it was something happening in China and I didn't think much about it. I started to take note when it spread to Italy but I didn't think of its impact until it was mentioned about people returning to Ireland from skiing trips to Italy. Then very quickly I noticed that this is serious and could impact on us all. I had a holiday booked to Spain for 14th March so kept listening to the news every day then there was a mention of it being in the Hotel I had booked in Torremolinos so I immediately cancelled and from that day on it just got worse and worse and I began to feel frightened and sad. The images coming from Italy were heart-breaking.

Q. 2 EVERYDAY ROUTINE

I was told to stay home from work due to underlying medical conditions and that I am older and my husband 10 years older again. This meant my whole routine changed as I had worked for almost 40 years. I felt a bit useless that I couldn't contribute and help out in time of crisis. I didn't have the option to work from home. I started to worry about my mental health as I have a history of depression. I began to do some clearing out and cleaning which I found to be therapeutic. I started walking every day and prayed while walking, I visited the graveyard most days as I pass it on my walk and wandered around remembering lots of people I hadn't thought about in years. I even picked a headstone I would like. I walked a particular route that has a stream and lovely trees and wild flowers, I actually heard the birds , the running stream, I looked up at the beautiful blue sky and thought how lucky I am to have such beauty all around me for free. I hadn't noticed any of this in years, just driving to and from work and not taking anything in. I also started to do some cooking; I had been leaving that to hubby as he is retired. I ring my good friends every second day and members of my family once a week. I also keep an eye on an elderly couple whose children are all in USA. I have been doing this for years; I love the two of them so if they need anything myself and my hubby help out.
There have been a few funerals of locals but sadly due to the restrictions we couldn't attend. So I'll send Mass cards when I can get them.
We had to cancel a family get together for my sister’s 70th birthday but please God we can do something in the future.
For Easter I sent cards to family and friends.
I also use social media to keep in touch.

Q. 3 GROUPS

My daughter is a front line health worker and I can see from our conversations and video calls how stressful it is for her and her colleagues in the hospital environment.
From speaking to supermarket workers they seem stressed too and one lady was upset at not seeing her grandchildren. She had a new grandchild she hasn't seen yet.
I think older people cocooning don't get the seriousness of what's happening around them, at least the ones I know.
People with small children are having a difficult time keeping the children occupied; I've seen this with relatives.
I have a grand nice with special needs and for that family they have lots of challenges and the extra worry of her contracting the virus or having to take her to hospital due to her general condition. They also have other children to think of.

Q. 4 WAYS WE TALK

Everyone and every conversation is about Covid-19. Some very serious conversations about its seriousness.
Lots of new terms and phrases like Covid-19, social distancing, cocooning, self-isolating, flattening the curve, front line workers, heroes
Lots of funny posts on Facebook and lots of sharing funny stories, pictures and inspirational quotes.
People finding and sharing old photos.
We have put candles in the window and clapped hands to support our heroes and donated to funds to support them on C103.
A neighbour died and because we couldn't go to the funeral people lined the route of the hearse keeping social distancing.
Greetings are at 2 meter distance.
I personally miss hugs, I love to hug people. I especially miss not seeing my daughter and not hugging her. My son came over from UK and stayed 2 weeks and he self-isolated upstairs, I so wanted a hug.

Q. 5 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Locally a notice was delivered to every house giving details of all relevant information and telephone numbers of local volunteers willing to shop or collect medicine.
For Easter the Mass booklets were delivered throughout the Parish to peoples’ letter boxes, my husband helped with this.
I feel a great sense of community spirit around me. Our young neighbour left his phone number outside our front door in case we needed anything.
I have heard from family and friends of lots of good deeds being done especially for the elderly. As I mentioned my hubby and I do it for an elderly couple who have no family locally.

Q. 6 THOUGHTS AND PREOCCUPATIONS

I worry about my husband and children getting the virus and my family and friends. The future worries me too. I worry about the financial implications of this virus for all of us.
I feel sad and worry about all the elderly in care homes.

Q. 7 SIMILARITY TO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

No Response.

Q. 8 CHALLENGES AND COPING

No Response.

Q. 9 THE FUTURE

Will anything ever be the same?
I do think people are generally nicer and friendlier and I find people are appreciating the simpler things in life. I also think everyone is fearful of the future and what it will bring.

Q. 10 IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT SPRINGS TO MIND?

I think this is a great opportunity to put on paper what's going on in my mind.
Also might be worth asking how we think the situation is being handled by the Government and HSE.
Thanks for this opportunity.

Q. 11 IN A NUTSHELL

This experience is very frightening and I find myself thinking that there must be similarities to this and living through the Second World War. I was in Lanzarote sipping cocktails in February, a month later I was in lockdown, doesn't it show how little control we have over our lives. I keep thinking of our late Parish Priest (RIP) often saying "God laughs when we make plans", how true this is.
The good thing I can say is it has brought me back to basics, I hear the birds, admire the flowers, the blue sky and I am praying again. I am thankful for what I have and most of all for those I love.

age

51-69

gender

Female