Margaret Dwyer, better known as Mardie, is the author of four books.
As a 91-year-old resident of a unit in Southern Cross Village, I feel I had little to complain about during my enforced isolation.
I have a large family, four of whom live locally and one who bought our former homestead. She and her husband live in Sydney, and after isolating for 18 days, she decided to bring her laptop in one day a week and worked from my table, with me in another room.
This, and the very brief visits of the other four when they handed in yummy cooking, and/or groceries from the door, kept me from feeling lonely, as well as extremely well fed.
I realise how fortunate I am and know there are many who either don’t have family or they live too far away to be able to do this.
My kitchen cupboards have never been so organised, as well as my wardrobe. I had time to phone people who I knew might be lonely and vulnerable for a chat.
On the negative side, my spiritual life, which is so important to me, declined. Weekend masses were discontinued, as well as daily masses at the school chapel, which I rely on for spiritual comfort. Admittedly, Father Barry arranged for a home liturgy kit to be delivered to us over Easter with all the epistle and gospel readings for Holy Week. I am still receiving a weekly bulletin with all the readings for the current weekends, so all that is missing are my fellow parishioners and Father to share them with, plus of course Holy Communion.
On Anzac Day, Bobby Strickland and I, complete with a portable keyboard, took a stroll through the entire village about 11am, (no one would want 6am in this neck of the woods!) I played The Last Post, we recited the ode and finally Bobby sang the National Anthem. Residents came out of their units and some followed us from venue to venue. The help of Harry and Doreen Westcott was much appreciated by the two Pied Pipers!
There is no doubt my TV and online technology helped me to keep my spirits up when I missed the physical presence of those near and dear to me. I still consider I was very blessed.
By Mardie Dwyer