IT IS A YEAR since this all started. A year none of us saw coming. An experience we could never have even imagined.

But, after the original shock and disbelief, we took it on the chin.

We followed the rules. . . most of the time. Stayed at home. . . most of the time. We adapted, re-grouped, examined our options and started shopping!

We embraced the internet. Rather than do without, we moved on-line. Food, groceries, ready meals; paint, lipstick, light bulbs; it was a ‘whole new world’.

Before we knew it, we were lunching with friends on Zoom, attending conferences and even, for those of us that way inclined, following daily religious services.

It was different, but was it all that bad?

If we have had no health issues and no financial worries, then, for some of us, if we are honest, ‘stay at home’ has become a very pleasant habit; a break from routine; a rest.

As the incredible vaccination effort gains pace and we are gradually given back our freedoms to step back into the ‘new normal’, we are in danger of going wild. Parties, restaurants, holidays; the roaring ’20s here we come!

But before you do, spare a thought for those who have supported our enforced hibernation: the medical profession, working day in day out; the postie, bus and delivery drivers, the police, the fire service, with not inconsiderable risk to themselves and their families, have stepped up to the mark and done their job. Even the politicians have worked through!

Tragically, many have come out of this without jobs, savings, homes.

Many are bereaved. An elderly parent, neighbour, the young friend who was suddenly struck down and a life ended prematurely. Another statistic, a ‘sad loss’ on the daily report. But a life lost randomly and cruelly who we, as a society, need to grieve for.

Returning to normality, those of us who, luckily, have not come face to face with the virus must save a thought and be mindful of those who have endured a dreadful year. We owe them.