Year 11 Pastoral Guardian
Progressively, restrictions are being relaxed, but medical experts remind us that we are not out of the crisis yet. This weekend, I intend to visit my mother and father who live in the Scenic Rim, roughly 100 kilometres away from my home in Brisbane. I hope to drive out to them on Sunday. Sadly, I still must abide by the four-square metre distancing rule as it is still highly recommended you stick to foot taps and elbow touches for the foreseeable future. I imagine my father will - with military precision – measure every inch, to contain the distance between us; no doubt, he will judiciously use a makeshift ruler to manage the space. Unfortunately, it has been more difficult for my openly affectionate mother; she has struggled through isolation. Each time a parcel is left at their door, she scurries out, hoping for a quick conversation but, when we move on, her eyes widen with sadness. Her short grief, reminding me of the importance of our connection, also jogs a somewhat distant memory, of watching my mother’s sorrow as I left for boarding school. In caring for my elderly parents during COVID, my brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews and extended family have become stronger in community, with a greater awareness of the challenges our parents and grandparents face, especially in growing old. In the past few months, the food parcels, grocery drop-offs, Facebook messages, and phone calls have been constant, and there is a better understanding of the support these community, family-minded individuals need in their twilight years. Equally, my parents understand, in family, they have amassed a fortune over time; ever so grateful for the beautiful gift God has bestowed upon them.
While my own family and I have been isolated, we have witnessed a surge in connection. In January, there were gatherings on Zoom, including catch-ups with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. I particularly enjoyed the banter with old boarding school friends who live in distant places. From Weipa to Cairns, Peak Crossing, Sydney, Longreach, Aramac, and Delegate - a blessing distraction - these old ties have been an absolute joy. Humorously, at times, posting images, reminding me of school, highlighting the importance of these women as an integral part of my life. From teachers to nurses, doctors, businesswomen, and farmers, this community has supported one another through the crisis experienced during the bushfires in New South Wales, and now, even more, during isolation.
More closely, my adult daughter hurriedly returned from the United States in late March while she isolated with close family. Before returning, she was in her second year of study, which had been a scholarship opportunity; however, she was oblivious to how the pandemic would impact on her life. Although this was a very stressful few weeks, organising flights, facing the prospect of casual unemployment, and disruptions to her training and study, she is still struggling with her unknown return. While challenging, the adjustment has been a blessing in disguise, even though, at times, I witness her struggle with acclimatising back into family life.
Connections have sustained me during COVID, and I am truly blessed for my family, friends, and for the wonderful joy they have brought to my life during COVID. I am truly blessed!
Bridget Piper
