Covid-19 Diary: Autism and Me- Issue 7
Kevin Hanly– “ It’s not the summer we planned or wanted”.
“I am still coming to terms with no championship in hurling or football this summer and nobody knows when those days will be back”.
Last weekend should have been the start of the championship and the start of the summer for me. I am still coming to terms with the fact that I will have no trips to Semple stadium, Walsh Park or Gaelic Grounds this Summer. Like everyone else our summer plans were all cancelled so I guess we just have to make the best of it while following the guidelines. This means spending a lot more time in the back garden and going for walks. I’m staying hopeful that we will still be able to meet our friends in small groups while maintaining our distance. If we stick to the plan and keep making progress, we will get there. I would love to press a fast forward button and be able to move forward from this whole situation and have it all behind us.
It is good having social media and video calling to see friends and family but it’s not the same. The energy and vibes with seeing someone on a screen is not like being out and about socialising with people. I wasn’t always the most confident person. It took many years to get where I am today. Hopefully it will all come back to me when we return to some form of normality. I really hope for the day when I can shake people’s hands again. I also look forward to the time after a big championship match when I can run onto the pitch and celebrate with the players.
I am staying very positive and hoping that this sense of optimism will stay with me for the rest of the summer. Next week we will start a new phase which I hope will be a step closer to normality for people.
I have written blogs now every week since this pandemic started. I think I need a break for a week or two, but I will be back with recharged batteries. When you think about it the last two months have been like a rollercoaster; ups and downs. I have written about things that I never thought were possible- the cancellation of GAA games, and not being able to socialise with family and friends.
There is a road ahead and if we keep doing what we’re doing we will get to the end and good days will come again.
As the quotes goes “There are far far better things ahead then any we leave behind”
