I am a mom of four grown children and a four- to five-time grandma. So usually I'm more likely to be used to worrying about others. Even if my heart sometimes lets me get out of breath, I love to romp with my grandchildren, to help my children in the household or to dry worried tears on the phone with a lot of optimism. I don't feel sick or weak. So as a heart patient over 60, I am now one of the nation's worried children is quite unusual for me. And that I can't really help anyone these days, I find that almost unbearable.
Families are having a hard time
When my daughter tells me about current family life, I can only say: Hats off. You yourself in the home office, the father works in a systemically relevant profession and three children who have to cope all day without school, daycare and friends. How they manage it and what creative ideas they implement, I'm just thrilled with it. They structure their day with school and preschool work, handicraft programs, sports lessons, time outside in the garden (which is of course a great luxury) and housework, which everyone has to help with. There are no appointments that were otherwise taken for granted. I can only guess what that means for the nerves. How I would like to pack my bags and help … but I know that would be counterproductive. You and all the other families go to great lengths to protect people like me.
The life of almost everyone is upside down
As a pensioner you are somehow privileged at this time. We don't break away so many pillars of everyday life. We are used to the fact that everything runs slower and that you spend a little more time at home. Even as a couple, most of us have been huddled together for a long time, sitting on top of each other is not an exception. Home office is not an issue for us and we no longer have to be fun for children. We do not have the existential fears of a self-employed person and an Easter trip is easy to make up for, at some point. Without having to rely on vacation times. All the more grateful I look at all the people around us, whose everyday life has turned upside down overnight. Most join in, although it has to be infinitely difficult to persevere. I know you don't do this out of fear for yourself, but out of love for us, the risk patients (who at best will never become corona patients thanks to you!).
Thanks a lot!
So once again with all my heart: THANKS. Thanks to my children and children-in-law who, as parents, as carers, at the cash register and as police officers, do so much in these times. Thank you to everyone who stays at home, even though they are young and spring could have such wonderful adventures out there. Thanks to the people who maintain the system and make serious political decisions. I have a pagan respect for all of you and can only promise: We will be back for YOU very soon. Why am I so sure about that? Because I feel so well protected from your solidarity!