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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

Elrel Fri 10-Jul-20 01:01:44

I am grateful to have enough food, a home, a garden, and to be loved, albeit from a distance.
I am grateful to Zoom to enable me to continue joining in poetry events and other discussions.,
I am grateful to the friend who arranges for a group of us to read poems to each other over our phones Each week.
I am grateful to the health centre staff, pharmacy staff, and optician’s staff have been thoughtful and patient. They make me feel that they are genuinely concerned for my welfare in spite of their being busy and under stress.
I am grateful to my family for their telephone calls, presents, drawings, and photographs which make me feel less isolated and lonely.
I am grateful for the theatre companies who are streaming wonderful productions online.

wendrake Thu 09-Jul-20 22:18:13

I'm grateful for good friends that have looked out for me and my family throughout lockdown. For my beautiful little grandson who lives with us, and for another grandchild due at Christmas. For a supportive husband. For lots of good weather and lovely long walks while I've been on furlough and a job to go back to soon.

fishnships Thu 09-Jul-20 20:34:21

Like many others I am grateful for people helping others, whether that be nurses, cleaners or bin-men. I am glad they are finally being appreciated.
I am grateful for having my garden which has made this whole thing bearable.
I am very grateful that my two younger children managed to avoid their exams. Both have worked so hard but DD was becoming ill with the incessant pressure of A levels; I am so grateful that she amazingly managed to avoid a possible breakdown and is now very happy and herself again.

Wendyfaint Thu 09-Jul-20 19:56:27

I would like to thank my dustman who happily took extra rubbish for me when the refuse tip was closed

kathcake Thu 09-Jul-20 19:40:20

I'm grateful for my friends and family being healthy throughout this awful period

barbaraellen Thu 09-Jul-20 18:12:58

So grateful for all the fine weather especially early on in lock down. It made everything such much easier for everyone. Glad I had a garden to plant some salad and tomatoes and to distract me. Now we can reap the rewards. But mainly thanks to DH who cooked so many meals .

Andrea1 Thu 09-Jul-20 17:48:17

I am grateful to my son who has been doing my shopping during lockdown and I am very grateful that I have a garden where I have been able to grow lots of fruit and vegetables and just sit out and relax.

ceejayen Thu 09-Jul-20 17:44:12

I am grateful to be alive, having been ill and now better thankfully. Every day is precious and to enjoy nature at its best is a tonic.

Dendav Thu 09-Jul-20 17:15:17

For time to think

Feelthefear Thu 09-Jul-20 16:51:11

I've been so grateful for my house and garden. So many times over the last few weeks I've been able to get out in the garden, either to do some gardening or just sit outside and enjoy the flowers and every time I've thought how lucky I am to be able to do that.

Yasmin0147 Thu 09-Jul-20 15:46:44

I feel grateful for my husband, without him I don’t know how I would get through the isolation on lockdown

jeanio Thu 09-Jul-20 14:15:56

I am grateful for having a loving and caring husband to share the lockdown with and for my family who have constantly kept in touch to check if we need anything.
I am also grateful that we live by the coast and two rivers for lots of fresh air. I am also glad that all my family and friends have been safe from this pandemic so far and am grateful for all the shop delivery staff who have been working such long hours to keep us stocked up with essentials.

isis53 Thu 09-Jul-20 13:51:19

Grateful that we have a car and bikes and live in a suburban area
We have been able to ride our bikes most days and gone shopping in the car and not have to have taken public transport

NanaPlenty Thu 09-Jul-20 13:31:25

I feel grateful to my husband. We haven’t had a single cross word through lockdown and have supported each other through the ups and downs felt due to the virus. Thank you to a special man.

Morgie52 Thu 09-Jul-20 13:29:16

I am grateful for many things. All key workers who have kept things going throughout these last few months, friends and family who have kept in touch, neighbours who have become friends not to forget that I have a lovely home and a great husband. So many things to be grateful for including the four amazing grandchildren that I have been able to face-time during the lockdown.

Aka77 Thu 09-Jul-20 13:28:41

I’m grateful for having my husband and have lots of sympathy for anyone living alone. I’m grateful for the NHS, although it has delayed my planned op, it has still provided urgent care. Also The other essential workers who have kept going ,which includes Tesco delivery drivers and of course my vet.

maciv234 Thu 09-Jul-20 13:24:43

my family and my garden to keep me going

juliedee Thu 09-Jul-20 13:13:45

Luckily we live out of town in a small rural place, so no problems with social distancing and stuff, but a huge thankyou to everyone who has been there for us all, NHS staff, Post Office staff, Delivery drivers, shop workers, we appreciate you!

Cheryl36 Thu 09-Jul-20 09:46:40

I feel grateful for my routine. I didn’t change a thing except leaving the house. I went to bed at the same time, meal times stayed the same. I watched my programs and read my books. Keeping my routine kept me sane.

freesia Thu 09-Jul-20 06:10:21

I am so grateful for the companionship of my little dog. he has always been good company but never more so than in these weeks of enforced isolation.

noahsark Thu 09-Jul-20 05:05:44

I’m grateful that I have a garden & good weather through most of the pandemic. Also modern technology for without that we wouldn’t have been able to connect with family & friends or arrange deliveries etc. And for our wonderful nhs workers

marpau Wed 08-Jul-20 19:36:45

For my family and friends and a strong marriage.

Candelle Wed 08-Jul-20 19:21:53

I am grateful for our NHS (including my daughter) battling through Covid-19 without basic equipment to keep them safe. There are some very brave people there.

I am grateful for having a home with a garden, without which our enforced imprisonment would have been so much harder.

I am grateful for not needing medical or dental treatment during lockdown, having seen how difficult this could have been.

I am grateful that our computer and devices didn't throw 'a wobbly' and thus kept me in touch with friends and family all around the world. One (OK, perhaps a few) click and there they are - it's just amazing seeing and conversing with people on the other side of the globe.

I am grateful to live in a country where during the lockdown period, neighbours came together to see who needed help and support and freely gave their time to try and make a difficult situation, better.

albertina Wed 08-Jul-20 17:41:21

I shielded with my daughter and family 400 miles from home for 3 months. I am grateful to my family for doing that. Having anyone under your roof for that long is a strain, but they managed it brilliantly.

I too am grateful for my dog who has been a constant source of comfort and fun through the difficult times.

Meta Wed 08-Jul-20 17:18:56

My lovely husband, we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in lockdown, and I’m very grateful to him for caring for me when I was very unwell with Coronavirus in March.
I’m blessed to have family and friends to message and a garden to have sat out in.