It is March 8th, and the kids are finally back in the classroom! Hooray we say as the temporary home-school desk is put away. Another landmark date in our roadmap to recovery. When I dropped my 8 year off to school, I was excited for him to be reunited with his pals but also a little sad. I will miss him, he has been at home for 8 weeks, a fact that he reminded me of the other day. Goodness, how time flies and we are nearly at the 12 month point at which this all began. 

The middle of February is now upon us and I will admit I have in the past always found it a rather funny month. I always considered it to be that non-descript month that sat rather uninterestingly between January with all its new year’s resolutions, and March, with its promise of sunshine and bloom. For me, February has historically been the month that is neither here nor there… 

It is January 2021 and who would have thought we would be in another national lockdown. It has been so tough for so many and when you read the news it is all fairly grim to say the least. Once again, an air of uncertainty and fear has enveloped us all as we are regularly informed of the ever-increasing numbers of people who have tested positive for coronavirus. We are once again told ‘Stay safe, stay at home and protect lives. It is back to zoom quizzes, home schooling and restrictions we thought had long gone. 

As we move through Autumn, the weather has once again changed. The blue skies have now become heavy rain clouds and we all wonder where did 2020 go. As the darker nights draw in and we continue to deal with this year’s ongoing challenges, I find myself reflecting on a previous lesson learnt that may help as we come to the end of the year. 

I recall a day I was leaving for work, bright & dry, with the promise of endless sunshine. The kind of weather that cannot help but bring a smile to one’s face. I headed to my car confident my coat was not going to be required today… 

Whilst sat in the hairdressers having my hair washed (first cut in 6 months!!) I noticed this painting. It struck me how true this is for life right now, especially with social distancing.