Entrenched in her farm, straight out of a bucolic novel, Yvette, an 87-year-old grandma lives confinement with a smile. Loneliness, she knows, has been a constant companion for a long time now. But what does she think of this period of health crisis? Meet.
In a sunny afternoon full of unnamed beauty, an appointment is made with Yvette, 87 years old. The latter lives in Loir-Et-Cher and more precisely in Rhodon, a small village of 120 souls. To comply with health regulations and not to endanger Yvette, the interview takes place from her window. Like Juliet waiting for Romeo on her balcony, the kind granny tells us how she manages confinement and this famous Covid-19, quite frankly.
Are you afraid of this virus?
Yvette : I cannot say that I am not afraid, but considering my age if I catch it I would not make a drama of it. I know it can be cured but if I die alone in my room and too bad. It's hard to say, I know. I'm just lucid.
Do you feel alone in your village?
Yvette : Every day I am on the phone with my family and friends. They take news. Fortunately, I have this contact. Afterwards, it is true that I am already used to loneliness. Containment is not a problem and it is very important especially for a person my age. Some neighbors, few, just two, came to me to help me with my shopping. Of course I accepted, I needed a few commissions. Right now, I have the fish merchant coming by on Friday, but he will surely stop coming. The butcher calls me on Thursday and he also delivers on Friday. Every week they go on tour, it's vital for me. I am happy to see them because I have been alone on my farm for 13 years, some days are harder than others.
Can you describe your state of health?
Yvette : I take my usual medications for high blood pressure and osteoarthritis because it is important not to stop treatment. You see I have a few boxes left, but in a few days I will ask a charitable soul to go to the pharmacist for me, with my prescription. I haven't contacted my doctor in a while, he has other more serious patients to deal with. As long as I'm fine, I don't bother, I'm following government orders.
What do you think of the behavior of this government?
Yvette : The government did not start its policy against coronavirus early enough. And for the mask scandal, it’s shameful! I have a daughter who works in a retirement home at Ville Aux Clercs, and she has been unprotected for days. I was afraid for her. It is also said to be a health war, I don't like that word. I experienced World War II, I was seven, and it’s not the same thing, the same enemy. You have to be careful with the words I use. Travel certificates, that's fine, though. I cut them out of my journal because I don't have a computer. If it can allow people to be on the right track and stay at home. I say perfect. The history of open markets that have to close, I don't understand. I don’t think it’s any more dangerous than supermarkets where customers rub shoulders on the shelves.
The situation in nursing homes, what do you think?
Yvette : It's horrible. I prefer to be at home. I think I have fewer contacts than the people in the Ehpad. All these deaths, it is not normal, there is a problem in the organization of these establishments. I often say to my daughter: I sell my house, we buy something bigger and I live with you. Being in a house with other abandoned elderly people is a nightmare for me, it's already a door to death.
How are your days organized?
Yvette : I sleep a lot, both at night and during the day. I take a nap between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Like everyone else watching TV, you will take me for a madman but what relaxes me is watching chases in documentaries. The real lack is my card games with my friends, but hey …
Do you have a message for caregivers?
Yvette : A huge THANK YOU. I have no words to express my gratitude. Days don't have to be easy for them.