The world listened intently to the news of a new virus making its way across the continents. We sat quietly in our home, wondering if and when it would hit South Africa. And so, on Monday, March 23rd, it was announced that we would be placed under total lockdown that Thursday.

The Uncertainty

The country went into a mad flurry, stockpiling essentials, food items and yes, wine and whiskey for us :) Understandably, your dad and I were in shock. We’ve never lived through anything like this, and honestly, didn’t know what was coming. It seemed surreal, as if we were living through some apocalyptic movie.

Those first  30 days of being locked in our homes were honestly a little traumatic. Too afraid to step out, knowing that it was against the law. Worrying about your uncle, who was stuck in Nigeria, unable to get home. Listening to news reports on how people were being arrested for daring to venture out. And watching truckloads of army servicemen and women roll in to keep citizens in “heck”.

E-commerce and social media exploded with a new sense of purpose as people sought “socially distant” ways to earn an income, educate their children, and keep in touch with family and friends spread across the globe.

The Gratitude

I sat in our warm and comfortable home, thankful. Thankful that we had decided to homeschool you all a few months earlier. Which meant that we “escaped” the sudden trauma of pulling you out of your schools and extra-murals. In a way, we were able to peacefully enter into the lockdown period without too much disruption – for you 5. Thankful that your dad and I still had our jobs – even though your dad did take a major salary cut. This meant we could continue to provide for and care for all of you at a time when many families faced financial ruin.

As the world panicked, you were totally unaware of what was going on. And I’m pleased we chose to keep it from you as long as we could. Our daily routines continued as usual; our school days were the same. As we tucked you into bed each night, fear gripping our hearts at the unknown, I was again thankful that you weren’t necessarily anxious about something beyond your control.

I remember the day we finally decided to sit you all down to tell you about the VIRUS like it was yesterday… I could see your curious little minds starting to reel, and the questions that flowed kept us busy for a good hour. I asked you all to choose what kind of mask you wanted and explained in depth how careful we had to be. I clearly remember you all saying that the one thing you missed was church, your home away from home—a haven for you all since birth. We could, for the first time, totally relate to that feeling of longing. We missed our community!

The Impact

Today marks 100 days since the beginning of lockdown, and I wanted to write this piece so we can all look back one day and share our memories of what this time was like. So we can “take stock”, be reminded of the lessons learnt, tell our stories of gratitude and heartache, laugh (hopefully) about masked adventures to the shops, and re-commit ourselves to hearing the plight of those in need and helping as much as we can those who are most vulnerable.

So, on this day, I want to say thank you. I appreciate your patience (even on the days when you were unable to express your frustrations). Thank you for your bravery, and thank you for being so understanding when, week after week, you are unable to enjoy your extracurricular activities, visit with family and friends, or pop out for an adventure.

Your dad and I are so proud of you! You will be growing up in a very different environment from what we had envisioned for you. The results of this COVID-19 lockdown will linger long after we regain our “freedom.” You will grow up in an era when yet another virus turned the world on its head, spoken about for decades to come. But know this one thing: your bravery, your agility to go with the flow, to embrace our new normal, and still be the happy, loving children you are, bring us so much joy.

#covidmemories

Love Mommy and Pappa