Today there was a very similar notice written in the exact same style on the hospital ward door at a well known London hospital unit that I have to attend monthly, telling us that “PATIENTS ONLY” would be let in. No one else at all whatsoever. No one got angry.
I was eventually let in, where I was then assessed by a nurse in protective clothing, and asked what felt like every question under the sun. I truly realised and was relieved that they were operating such a strict policy as my immune system is non existent. I was also relieved that no Tom, Dick or Mary would be let in unless otherwise expected and even then, they had to go through the same barrage of tests and questions too.
I was actually really pleased to have some wonderful, blissful peace and quiet
from DH, which meant that I had a lovely chat with all of the other patients who were also making the most of having some truly empathetic company. After all, I’ve got DH’s company for the next twelve weeks, albeit with my necessary monthly treatment. I’m sure that he felt likewise, to have a break from me too! As I said to him jokingly yesterday, I wonder if there’ll be a rise in divorces, at the end of the forced quarantine periods for people like myself and those over 70?! It does actually happen regardless of age, etc, after Christmas/New Year apparently, every year, without fail. I know for a fact(not by experience thankfully) that Relate are always inundated at the beginning of January as well.
All of us in the ‘quarantined group’ won’t have that luxury of being able to talk to anyone who can truly empathise at all over the next twelve weeks at least, bar our monthly treatment, and I can tell you it was much enjoyed and appreciated by everyone without fail.
It was also lovely for it to be just us, for a change, because we could talk freely about how we feel and how we’re coping. Plus talk about the more personal issues that we experience.
The poor staff were run off their feet, and looked really tired, but they were grateful to be acknowledged, as well as appreciated by all of us. It’s so important during times like this, plus it makes this situation just a little bit more bearable for all of us. Greasing the cogs and all that...
So OP and anyone else who’ve commented on this post, please think on. Rather than wasting time on here grumbling, maybe think about those around you who are not so fortunate. They may very well need your help, but be too embarrassed to ask. Or they may appreciate someone to chat too, or get them some books/audiobooks from the library, collect some medication from the chemists, etc. I’d really and truly love, and I mean love, for someone to just knock on my door and offer to make me a cup of tea and then have a chat, even if they do have to sit six feet away!
I’m absolutely sure that if you ask, it’ll be much appreciated and it’ll be remembered for many years to come. It’s something that I’d really appreciate doing for me. Honestly.