This is a very different sort of post from me as it isn’t focusing on my favourite Dude for a change. Instead, I need somewhere to put down my own frustrations and helplessness, as a result of the current pandemic.
Like every one of us, I am much more than just a wife and mother.
I’m a daughter, sister, aunty, cousin and friend. I’m also a highly trained, knowledgeable and skilled laboratory scientist. I hold a doctorate in immunology. And I am absolutely DESPERATE to be able to help my friends and others in the NHS.
My skills could be put to use doing testing assays to evaluate whether a patient has covid-19, researching the virus itself to learn more about it and more efficient ways to protect those most at risk. Colleagues are already doing both of these activities, others are researching vaccines and donating as much PPE as we have in the labs currently being unused as the majority of the research laboratories are now locked down other than those involved in covid-19 activities.
However. As an adult classed as being ‘at risk’ (crap immune system, inflammatory issues and grotty lungs), caring for a child in the highly vulnerable category (multiple underlying health issues etc), it would be utterly idiotic and irresponsible of me to join my friends and colleagues in answering the call for researchers with my skills base. Putting both myself and my son at higher risk of infection would not be sensible, nor would it be helpful.
So, I am instead having to content myself with knowing that some of the best minds in the country are currently working as hard as they can to keep families like mine safe, to develop a safe and effective vaccine, and still others are working obscene length shifts as front-line NHS staff, pharmacists, ambulance drivers and so on. I want so much to be working with them, standing side by side with them through this crisis and doing what I am trained to do.
My principle role currently is as Sam’s Mum… to keep him fit and well, to manage his seizures and health so that he can stay out of hospital and stay safe. I am fortunate to have this time with him, so many friends are separated from their children currently due to the virus.
To those working to keep the country going, thank you.
We’re with you all in spirit, if not in person.