It was nearing the end of February this year and I was starting to get excited about my birthday. It was on a Friday which always feels extra special as celebrations can continue into the weekend. My younger brother had just had his so all the focus was now on mine. My mum had booked the day off work and I could tell she had plans up her sleeve.
Then the first bombshell landed when she picked us up from school on the 26th and spent the half-hour journey back home explaining that my grandma in South Africa had been taken seriously ill and that she had to leave as soon as possible to be there for grandma and grandad who live out there on their own.
This was only the start of the many changes and disruptions lockdown brought to our family life. My mum missed being with me on my birthday. We missed being with her on Mother’s Day.
The next bombshell – COVID-19 landed in the UK. In the midst of it, my school closed down! Everything seemed to be going wrong, and changing around us at an incredibly fast pace. And through all these changes, I had to find a way to deal with them.
I called my mother every day and I found a new school - Sherfield, and learned to work online. The teachers and pupils alike got me settled in straight away, and really helped me to get back into a routine. Going to Sherfield School has meant that I can make new friends and carry on with my schooling, all from my own home. I really felt welcomed.
The anxiety brought by the unknown of when my mum would return home, right up to the time we learned she was booked on to the last flight back home, was huge. We didn’t know whether she’d be able to get a flight before the borders closed. We called the airline every day, asking about flights. Finally, thankfully, she managed to get a seat on the very last flight back to England.
When she arrived, we weren’t even allowed to hug her, after her many weeks away. We had to wait a whole week before we were able to get close. Eventually, we regained some semblance of normal.
I am just one person, from just one family. Imagine the millions of people and families out there who are having to cope with changes of their own. They are having to adapt in their own way to get through this difficult time.
And this time is difficult. There is no one out there who has not had any problems, or changes to deal with. There is no perfect solution, and there is absolutely nobody who has not been affected.
So yes, there were changes. Yes, there were disruptions, but we handled it.
We adapted to the changes, we persevered, and things seem to be going back to normal.
And if everything goes as planned, I will be seeing all of you for the first time in September. I look forward to it. See you then!
Written by Shreya, Year 8