Self-Isolation in Testosterone Towers. Day 1

Day 1 - 17.3.20
Chris has been coughing for a few days but today was different somehow.
We decided he should stay home.
I went to the church to try and make plans with our Centre-Coordinator
while we awaited guidelines from an emergency meeting at THQ.

The problem we face is that traditionally we have always been the church that helps.
We are the ones who go into difficult situations.
We roll up our sleeves.
We feel the fear but do it anyway.

But this is a potentially lethal disease.
Some people have tested positive with no symptoms.
It has a long incubation period.
It’s not just our lives we’re risking,
but the lives of others in our care.

The group decision to cancel activities this week while we await guidance was largely supported,
with  just a few suggesting we were over-reacting.

Within a few hours our family was in self-isolation.
The two who were out at work and school had to return home.
I was trying to make decisions for the church, with our team,
and for my home and family,
all based on government advice.
All the while, Chris was coughing and spluttering and feeling worse.

By the end of the day we’d agreed to do some family planning tomorrow.
(Not that sort...)
It was too much to take in all at once.

We’ve had a delivery of medicines,
and several offers of practical help tomorrow.

The decision about activities, including worship,
is no longer ours to make,
but being urged to think how we can still help people,
within the restrictions we have,
is a step too far for me tonight.
Tomorrow is another day.

I’m not scared of the illness.
Apart from mild asthma we are all healthy.
Although we do have other family who are vulnerable.
But I am a little anxious for all that is unknown.
And much as the thought of 5 adults incarcerated in Testosterone Towers fills me with dread,
I realise that others face the future alone.

So tonight I’m praying.
I know some people are scornful of that.

But I believe prayer changes things.
Prayer changes me.

Lots of love xx






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

20 years of ministry

I hadn't realised it myself. I'm not very good with dates, and years, and anniversaries. But yesterday my Facebook Timeline was full of it. It's 20 years since we were commissioned and ordained. 28th May 1993 at The Royal Albert Hall, London. As I listened to 'Our Songs' The ones written for us, and for the occasion I became a bit nostalgic. As I looked at the video And saw my friends and colleagues I almost felt a pang of grief For the people we were The things we shared. But this is a letter to the 25 yr old girl I was then From the woman I am now "You made it! By the skin of your teeth at times but you got there in the end. And this ending Full of brass, and drums, and singing and laughter and drama and dance is just the beginning. In the years ahead you will know joy Real joy Laughing so hard no sound comes out. Friendships that are only in their infancy here Will become your anchor in the days ahead. And people that
Read more

Five Minute Friday: Song

Image
It's our Silver Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday. 25 years. I told someone the other day and she gasped, and said, "You don't look old enough" Which is absolutely the right response. We're having a few friends over next Friday night to celebrate. There will be food And dancing And fun And song. 'Our song' to be precise. As we met in the 80's, Our song is 'Solid' (Ashford and Simpson). It's the song we used to dance to at parties. It's the song that made us laugh. It's the song we always talk about when reminiscing. Our 25 years together hasn't been perfect You won't be surprised to hear that. There has been much joyful song. But sometimes the notes have turned dischordant. Sometimes we've sung in a minor key. More recently we have sung songs of lament. But to mis-quote Gloria Gaynor We have survived. We're still standing (Elton John) And we're still singing from the same hymn
Read more

Five Minute Friday: Friend

Five minute Friday. Write. Don't check, or edit, just write for the pure love of it. The prompt is FRIEND I had a card from a friend today. We started as colleagues. Our paths crossed a few times. But over the past year she has become a friend. And as a friend She knew what this weekend meant for us. She remembered. She acted. But friends are all different aren't they? Over the past 12 months our friends have been: Some practical Some ever-present Some prayerful Some encouraging Some business as usual Some helpless Some distant And sadly, some very noticeable by their absence. I don't blame them It's not been easy to be our friend this year. But I thank God for all of them And pray that the absent ones are not gone forever. I'm also challenged. "If you want a friend, be a friend" The saying goes. I pray my friends will always know where to come. And if not, that I'll meet them where they are. And when I fail as a f
Read more