Beauty 365 … Stories of Love and Life for Everyday

Acquainting with quarantine.

I’m sorry to say it now, but I have been guilty of envying those people who have come back from overseas, and been placed in hotels for quarantine. I mean, wow! Meals brought to you, long uninterrupted showers, internet that doesn't cut out, a kingsize bed all to yourself. I mean, you've come back from a glorious overseas holiday, and then you've graduated to heaven. I wasn't very sympathetic. Until now…

This week, after a lapse of almost two months, I was finally able to visit my father in his aged care facility. Unfortunately, the circumstances weren't good. My dad had come down with a temperature and had been tested for Coronavirus. I was able to visit in place of my mum who was prohibited due to her age and vulnerability.

Decked out in full protective garb, it was beautiful to be able to sit by his bed, feed him a few mouthfuls, assure him with my words. I still haven't really grown accustomed to his fragility of body and of mind, and that our roles are reversed. Now, I am the carer, he is the receiver. Thankfully, he knew who I was and he seemed peaceful.

The shock came at the end of my visit. “Quarantine until your dad’s results come through.” Wouldn't you think I could have been alerted of that before my visit? (In fact, I wouldn't have declined that visit for anything!)

So it was straight home for me to spend the next 48 hours getting acquainted with the four walls of our study which thankfully doubles as a guest room, replete with a comfy bed. Not able to help myself, at first I was a hive of activity, rearranging it, tidying it, ordering my meagre possessions that came in with me. I did a little workout, paid some bills, and read some emails. That was the first hour over!

One of the challenges was not knowing how long it would last. A well meaning friend alerted me that her results took four days to come through…four days! That's 96 hours!!

I sent texts to family members who promptly delivered what I needed and visited at my door periodically to keep me updated on their movements. So in fact, I was hardly isolated. The funny thing is, as time went on, I actually started to imagine virus symptoms, feeling weak and sick with lack of fresh air and movement.

Thank God, the results finally came through negative, and my dad is recovering from whatever he had.

Now that it is over, I am grateful for those last moments of enforced rest before everything gets back to full pace again. My thoughts have turned to those who are permanently isolated or alone; no-one to talk to, no-one to eat with, no-one with whom to share their life.

I have developed some empathy and grown in gratitude for the love with which I am surrounded.