Non Touch Toast!

On Thursday at 7pm, an hour before the nation clapped for the National Health Service once again, my Aunt had arranged a 'Non Touch Toast.' Family and friends came together on WhatsApp to honour one another during these dark days. The news on the television has become a tide of despair, so spending a few moments each week to think of those closest has been a wonderful way to stay in touch and feel supported. Even though we can't see, hug or receive our nearest and dearest in public, we can at least stay close through the wonders of social media. We are fortunate to be living in an age, where all of us, no matter where we are in the World, can remain connected in a way we have never been able to before.

When I look across the internet, I am heartened to see so many of you, doing what you can to keep active and in touch with everyone at this time. Family is the linchpin that holds us all together, so it is only fitting we keep those bonds alive and flourishing, in good times and bad. Coronavirus may well be tearing through whole communities but neighbourhoods are holding strong and waiting for the day freedom once more returns.

Toasting family and friends is a small but important gesture, reinforcing our belief in the strength that loyalty and togetherness brings. We are the sum of our own experiences, but we are also the product of those we grew up with and others we choose to live alongside. There are many types of family, not always related through blood, but no less important and in many cases more significant and consequential, filling our lives with love, laughter and that all important sense of belonging. Raising a glass to our kindred spirits resonates with our need to feel secure, anchored and embraced at a time of stress and insecurity. Without these familiar faces, messages of love and words of encouragement, all of us would find the burden of Coronavirus too much to bear!

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It's good to receive your messages, telling me what you are all up to as well....Do keep them coming in. It was great to hear from Sally and Dom about the things they were doing to stay active!

Sally

'Making my granddaughter a rag doll!' Great way to pass the time Sally. I remember I learnt to knit myself many years ago and if I wasn't so busy working and writing, I would be right there with you!

Dom

Hi Luke, I'm working from home with calls when there have been any transferred to my mobile, other than that I'm drinking beer watching TV and listening to music. I've been on lockdown since the Thursday before Boris told us to stay inside; must say I'm pretty bored. It's good you are still working Dom and you can at least use the time to relax a little bit more. My advice during these difficult days is to do what makes you happy, it's working for me!

Whatever you are doing, remember why we are having to make sacrifices. Think about all the key workers who are working hard every day, making sure you are looked after. If you have to stay at home for a short while, so we can beat this virus, so be it, it won't be forever!

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