I've very much enjoyed watching the Salvation Army Carol Concert on Youtube tonight. It is really lovely and it was a good reminder to me to donate to their Christmas appeal as I had had a reminder through the post. I recently discovered that my family tree actually links to the founders of the Salvation army, the Booth family (since it is a common surname, didn't think about it) and I have always had an affection for the Salvation Army since my much beloved flute teacher, from the age of 11-16, and his family was a member of the local corps and he one of the conductors of the Salvation Army Symphonic Wind Ensemble and I used to play with them for a couple of years, travelling around to various Salvation army halls to play concerts of windband music. It was a happy time and I am forever grateful to him for that wonderful experience. I even discovered that Zoe from Splodz Blogz played with them too- so there's even a blogger link.
Well, this Advent IS going to be a bit more at home now as I am having to isolate at home as CBC started to feel a little unwell on Friday, not really anything to write home about but he had had a sore throat and an occasional need to cough to clear the tickle in his throat on Thursday night. He generally felt fine though but as a precaution, he booked a test and it came through as positive this evening. We've been keeping to separate bedrooms and bathrooms and been at least 3 metres away from each other since, mostly in different rooms, since he said he had a sore throat, just in case. So, that means no school for me this week. I feel wistful about it because I was due to spend the week in year 3, taking all of their PPA cover and generally supporting and I was due to do my last choir and drumming club (have done these for 3 weeks for single year groups) - some of the children who were due to come to choir this week had had to isolate for 2 weeks and were looking forward to their one week of choir- I was also due to record my Christmas song with them.
To be honest, I am really quite surprised he tested positive- he really seemed more like he had a cold- I didn't expect it, especially as I am pretty certain we both had it in March- what with my complete loss of taste and smell and other mild symptoms.
However, I am at peace with the situation and I want to reflect on the positives in the situation:
1. I am sorry that CBC is unwell but he feels generally ok, so far, praise God, and I pray it continues and doesn't change.
2. Although I am sad HE is ill, I am glad, in a sense that it was him that got it, not me, because he would be really, really grumpy with me right now if I was the reason he is stuck at home, so I am glad I can be sanguine about it for him.
3. I am glad that he was cautious enough to get a test, even though he didn't really have really obvious symptoms- means that I haven't potentially taken any germs into school, esp as I am itinerant.
4. I am glad we have the room to have separate bedrooms, bathrooms and even rooms with sofas to sit in- I am currently in the study sitting on the sofa in there, with my feet up on a stool, listening to the SA concert. So many people do not have this luxury. I am glad that our lounge was able to accommodate us at a 3m distance for when we ate dinner.
5. I am glad we have essentially kept our distance since Thursday night. Even though we were convinced he just had a sore throat from having to do Parents evening on Zoom for hours, I am glad I made the decision to sleep in the spare room.
6. I am glad I managed to go and stock up on shopping essentials before having to isolate.
7. I am glad that I WASN'T due to be covering all my usual lessons this week as we are off timetable from regular lessons to do fun activities with the children. I don't feel like I am missing out on my music lessons I should have been doing.
8. I am glad that the timing of this is so close to the end of term so our absence won't have a huge impact on timetabling of lessons
9. I am glad I bought home my recorders from school on Friday so I can practice the piece I wanted to.
10. I am glad I have done the majority of my Christmas shopping.
11. Although our Christmas celebrations are very much dependent on if I actually developed any symptoms, and CBC getting better, and being cautious, I am glad that the timing may be ok for us possibly, God willing, if we were to celebrate with my Mother-in-Law (who will be alone otherwise) we may have had an enforced natural quarantine to allow us to stay with her safely. I am still not sure about what we are doing though.
12. I am glad that there are so many wonderful church services to watch and join in with on Youtube.
13. I am glad for my kind work colleague who I have chatted to this weekend.
14. I am glad for not having to travel on the trains for a week!
15. I am glad that I walked for a few miles yesterday since I won't be able to for 10 days!
16. I am glad that I am able to pray to God and that I have the trust and belief in him- I know that my calmness and peace about this situation comes from him- I am usually a serial worrier.
Hoping all is well with you. If you are in the habit of praying, please pray that CBC's symptoms do not worsen, that I do not develop any symptoms and that we stay safe and well. If you have anything you would like me to pray for, please let me know below.
xx