We have all achieved a great deal during the last eighteen months, staying indoors when we’ve had to, wearing our masks, and sanitising our hands until our skin peeled. And we continue to do a lot of these things. We take tests when we have symptoms, and self-isolate, missing out on things we’d rather have in our lives.

Many of us are weary but our sacrifices and our commitment to keeping ourselves and others well has been immense. We almost forget how far we’ve come, and how much it has taken out of us. Now, though, we’re beginning to see the fruits of our labour. We’re getting out again – seeing people and getting back to some level of normality. While this is difficult for a lot of people, with the fear still being there, we are doing it and will continue to.

It was a joy to hear one of our members talking about his brother’s wedding. He hadn’t seen a lot of his family in a long time. It was a chance to catch up. A chance to celebrate and come together for a happy occasion. My brother got married recently, too, and the feeling of freedom to go to a happy event is unmatched when we’ve been away from it for so long. There is, however, a feeling close to relief when it’s over when we return to being in our own houses and bringing those memories back with us.

Another member spoke about a holiday she went on recently to the Burren. She really enjoyed herself. It was nice to get away, breathe different air, relax and go somewhere quiet. Going away and going out is almost a novelty now. We’ve craved these things for so long, and while we still agree that interaction and getting away is great, getting back home is great, too.

We also talked about lots of different restaurants and cafés and got loads of recommendations for a good meal and a nice outdoor area. It’s fantastic to get recommendations so we know where to go. Most of us have forgotten where we like to eat until someone reminds us.