Comment: Banburyshire woman reflects on life after being treated for COVID-19 at Horton General Hospital

Helen Lightbody posted the following reflection on life on Facebook and gave the Banbury Guardian permission to share it with readers.

The following is the reflection posted by Helen, including her own introduction.

"Whilst my fiancé and I were recovering from COVID-19, having been treated at the Horton Hospital, I found myself thinking about the current situation and wrote the following:

"Coronavirus – COVID-19 Lockdown 2020:

"The world is a strange and quieter place, and yet we grow accustomed to the sounds around us. To wake in the morning light and hear sparrows chirruping, chattering, singing under the eaves, the wood pigeon cooing from the trees in the park, and as the morning lifts and lightens, other birds add their song to the day.

"Traffic is a distant rumble, planes are grounded, and as a result there is less pollution and cleaner air. Rivers and streams are refreshed and revived and new life returns to its natural habitat.

"Through it all our NHS and key workers brave each day working long shifts and risking their lives. They do not have the comfort we at home experience.

"Tired and exhausted at the end of each shift, hoping against hope they were protected enough not to have caught the illness and in turn to pass it on to their loved ones. Many of them living apart from their families in hotels, or caravans parked on driveways.

"So when we are told to stay home, please, stay home. It is a small ask in a global pandemic.

"Let us show consideration to others.

"A little thoughtfulness really does go a long way.

"Let us remember what is important in life.

"Death, being a part of life, continues virulently in these exceptional times.

"What was known is unknown. What was certain is uncertain.

"With numbers limited at funerals and relatives showing symptoms unable to attend, technology makes way for loved ones to participate.

"For those in attendance social-distancing must still be observed. And so bereaved families must sit apart. No hands can be held, no hugs can be shared; a cold comfort in a time of grief.

"With florists closed, gone are the flamboyant sprays on coffins. Wild flowers, such as pussy-willow, and daffodils and flowers cut from the garden are placed there instead.

"Different ways. New ways.

"Perhaps at the end of this lockdown we will remember the kindnesses to each other, the help and support.

"Perhaps continue to find new ways to work, and recognise we do not need to go back to the old ways; the rush and pace, the greed and selfishness, the self-centredness.

"For so much good has come out of this time of trial.

"Let us not leave behind all we have learnt.

"Let us take time to be still, to be calm, to find peace.

"Let us see the beauty in the moments we have.

"Let us make a success of this new beginning; this new emerging world."

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