As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on and we remain in our homes as part of the national lockdown, I must admit that I have definitely had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my own thoughts (which is not always such a good thing).
During these past four weeks I have wrestled with feelings ranging from anger, resentment, full-blown anxiety, hysteria and denial. I have also experienced times of positivity, being grateful for the opportunity to spend this time with my family, as well as acceptance.
As the time drags on, I have found myself often thinking of those on the frontline of the fight against this virus – nurses and doctors who put their lives on the line on a daily basis; police and the South African National Defence Force members risking their health in an attempt to ensure the lockdown regulations are being adhered to; as well as all other emergency personnel working during this time. And, even though I concur with everyone else in hailing them as heroes and being grateful for their selfless sacrifices, I cannot help to think that we are forgetting the other heroes in this – our children.
In my opinion, they are the real heroes. Think about it: they have effectively been in lockdown at least 10 days longer than the rest of the nation; everything they have come to regard as normal was ripped away in an instant; all rules changed, without them even having a chance to prepare; and they are not allowed to see their friends, their teachers or visit family members.
If this situation is so difficult for us as adults, spare a thought for the little (and the not so little) people. Their daily routine has been turned upside down, they have no bell to tell them what class they have to go to now, or when is break time. They have to adapt to a new way of learning and doing homework, with their mom or dad as the teacher.
For the matric learners, this time has been especially rough. In an instant their whole last year of school, which most of them have been looking forward to, has been changed and, without a chance to say goodbye properly, they are in a situation where they do not even know if they will be experiencing all their lasts – last sport game, last school day, matric farewell, 40 days or last exam.
But, amid all of this, our children have stood tall, accepted the challenges and expectations, and done what is expected of them. They are being incredibly brave while trying to weather this uncertain storm and I, for one, want to salute them and commend them for their bravery.
Join me in recognising our nation’s young heroes by telling them just how proud you are of them, and encouraging them to stay strong, as this too shall pass.
Until next week, stay safe and healthy, and look out for each other …
