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Gransnetters share what lockdown has made them feel grateful for with McCarthy & Stone

(287 Posts)
YanaGransnet (GNHQ) Wed 01-Jul-20 17:46:35

The last few months have put us all to test - from learning how to create a tasty meal with only what we have in the fridge, to finding new ways to stay connected with our loved ones while apart. But these challenging times made us appreciate more the little things in life such as a stranger’s kindness or your neighbour’s cake.
With that in mind, McCarthy & Stone would like to find out more about what lockdown has made you feel grateful for and who would you like to say a ‘Thank you’ to.

Here’s what they have to say: “A McCarthy & Stone apartment gives you much more than a lovely home. It gives you access to a vibrant, caring and supportive community of friends and neighbours. And as recent events have shown, nothing is more important.

We couldn’t be prouder of the way our homeowners have stepped up to support each other during this challenging period. The already strong community spirit has flourished. Despite the restrictions, we’ve seen our homeowners adapt to new ways of socialising, with everything from exercise classes to gin nights — as well as innovative ways to celebrate things like anniversaries, birthdays and VE day.

Meanwhile 400 of our staff volunteered to help with shopping and other essentials in our Buddy scheme. And nationally, we’ve entertained homeowners with free virtual talks; a school penpal programme; exercise ideas from the Gym Group, a poetry competition and more. As a result we’ve been inundated with moving messages of thanks.”

So we are asking you, what are the little things that made lockdown more bearable for you and your family? What are you most looking forward to after lockdown is lifted? What are the new things you’ve learnt about yourself and others? How have you kept positive and what role does your circle of family and friends play in it? If you need to call out one thing or person that you are especially thankful for during lockdown, what or who would that be?

Whatever you feel grateful for or just want to say a ‘Thank you’ to something or someone who’s made lockdown more bearable for you, share your stories on the thread below. All GN users who post sharing their experience will be entered into a prize draw where one GNer will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
GNHQ

MellowYellow Wed 15-Jul-20 07:09:46

My allotment, the internet, my sons and their families, birdsong and smiles from strangers have all been precious during this tricky time.

jollo Wed 15-Jul-20 06:53:11

Thank you to my friends, always checking in

julietk Wed 15-Jul-20 06:42:15

Lockdown has made me grateful for my garden, and for my cats and partner. I am also grateful for my friends, who have kept me sane with their phone calls!

lindseylofty Wed 15-Jul-20 02:18:23

I am grateful that I was able to spend quality time with my family, at home and on zoom. I'm also grateful to my employer and the government for the furlough scheme - I have enjoyed relaxing at home, crafting and baking. It's been a welcome break from the daily commute!

dolly660 Wed 15-Jul-20 00:07:04

My whole family, each in their own homes, are ever so grateful for my son Christopher. Whilst all of us were cowering at home , scared stiff we'd catch the virus, he was out doing long hours at work in an essential job, risking his health+life, then running endless errands for each and every one of us he kept us fed, ran to the shops, the doctors, got the prescriptions, took me to vital health appointments, and not a word of thanks from his employer, and no money/ compensation either......,Also thankful for my smartphone, as my laptop died on me a year ago, I've kept busy entering competitions, and won a few welcome prizes,. ...........Cheers!

Keffie12 Tue 14-Jul-20 23:22:47

As well as my wonderful family and friends I am also very grateful to the www and Zoom which has been a lifesaver.

My two fellowships and other activities have moved online. I am really grateful to have access to these services.

Anyone with any shares in zoom would also be grateful now as they have made a bomb off Covid19 ?

Winpeaks Tue 14-Jul-20 23:11:53

Grateful and thankful for the local GPs who have been helpful and proactive despite everything they are going through.

JLay Tue 14-Jul-20 23:06:46

My neighbour has three young children who during lockdown could have driven me to distraction with weeks of noise, arguments, music and trampoline bouncing. However they have been fantastic! Their laughter and happiness in simple games and activities and their kindness to each other has been heartwarming. It is a pleasure to see and hear them enjoying each day. I am grateful to their single mum who has been so patient and inventive with them and making it a pleasure for me to live next door to such a lovely family.

Busywomanuk1 Tue 14-Jul-20 22:18:18

My dog, I think I would have got very “down” without him. He gave me a reason to do a big walk every day and was great company as I worked from home. He never got tired of giving cuddles.

marymod Tue 14-Jul-20 22:15:23

I am grateful for my employers making it so I am able to work from home - it's stopped me fretting too much and kept my salary being paid. I am also grateful to live where I do with a supportive community growing even stronger and to have wonderful friends who've all pulled together to support each other.

cjrmar Tue 14-Jul-20 21:38:03

Lockdown has made me feel grateful for ordinary - being able to go out when and where I want. Visiting my family and them visiting me. Shopping, walking just doing everyday normal things. I didn't have much to worry about but now I do worry more.

alibee Tue 14-Jul-20 20:05:41

Very grateful for health , family , no one I know caught COVID, daily walks and discovering lovely areas where I live, spending time with my lovely husband

Pallett Tue 14-Jul-20 19:56:59

I am grateful for my friends and family and the support of my wonderful husband, without him I would be lost.

Isobelw Tue 14-Jul-20 19:46:49

Family and friends

Yearoff Tue 14-Jul-20 19:44:29

Most definitely I’m grateful for having my family so close by. I spent a lot of time with them before lockdown but I realised how much I depended on them after my partner died in December. I’m so grateful to have a loving family.

Jellybeetles Tue 14-Jul-20 19:12:21

I have loved being able at home to start & finish work early with no travel to work and back so more home life to enjoy. I never go for walks but have done no end of walks up and down our local river. And then over the several months have watched all the wildlife bringing new life into the world. Amazing.

mgnchungles53 Tue 14-Jul-20 19:00:18

I have used lockdown to tidy my home, decluttering all the 28 years of hoarding ! We have even tinkered with a greenhouse, but as yet, I’ve murdered all the seeds I’ve planted!
It has been nice to meet relatives and friends over virtual, platforms like Zoom, particularly my U3A friends!
Been lovely watching my garden birds enjoying their bird balls as well the quiet time in the garden, watching nature!

Jadzi Tue 14-Jul-20 18:46:01

I am grateful to all my friends who ring me up to see how I am and to have a chat

WoodLane7 Tue 14-Jul-20 18:37:19

I have felt grateful to live in an area where there is lots of nature and beautiful walks; always something new to explore and see

jacpri Tue 14-Jul-20 18:27:11

I've been so grateful for fresh air and exercise. I would have found it very difficult to cope without this.

Mich Tue 14-Jul-20 16:25:07

I am very grateful for my health. My late mum used to say “if you’ve got your health and strength then you have everything” and it is very true. So many people have lost their lives to this pandemic And it is not over yet, so I am very grateful for every day! I live on my own and haven’t seen my daughter since early November, she hopes to visit as soon as it is safe to do so, so my standard poodle Bentley has been a godsend!

bluegruber Tue 14-Jul-20 15:54:10

I am very grateful for my health and my home, something I think we all take for granted at times but seeing the awful news recently has made me more aware of just how lucky I am!
I also value the additional time spent with my son.

startrek32 Tue 14-Jul-20 15:45:26

I am grateful to my son,Nick and son-in-law Adrian for helping out with shopping,keeping me in the loop and in good spirits.I am also grateful that none of my family,friends and neighbours have fallen sick with this dreadful virus.

knutsfordgeorge Tue 14-Jul-20 15:27:48

I'm very grateful for the postman and all the delivery drivers who have carried on delivering much needed letters and goodies to keep a little bit of normality going across the country.

nicolajones63 Tue 14-Jul-20 15:27:20

I feel so grateful to have all my family throughout lockdown and am one of the lucky people to say i havent had anyone affected by the virus. I am also grateful for how it has brought us together as a family as we talk more now