The double-edged sword of lockdown

For octogenarian Margaret Williamson, the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 were a double-edged sword. New and positive experiences went hand in hand with time missed with family, friends and her community.

Margaret Williamson, 2021

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Margaret Williamson in the cafe she set up in her garage, complete with coffee machine, during the 2021 Auckland lockdown. Photo courtesy of Margaret Williamson.

The good things first |

As someone approaching their nineties who has lived in the same area for over 60 years, I experienced some delightful things for the first time:

– having my morning coffee and reading a book in the local park while watching children play with lots of laughter – waiting for a takeaway while watching little ones from the local kindergarten having so much fun wearing little yellow vests and chasing balloons.

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Margaret with her daughter Jacqui Williamson at Te Atatu market. Photo courtesy of Margaret Williamson.

I've learned how to do my shopping online and have video chats with my daughter.

I learned how to watch our church service, and the funeral services for two dear friends, all online.

My phone rang constantly with friends checking up to see if I was okay and if I needed anything. I read seven books.

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Covid-19 had silver linings for Margaret Williamson, who had a range of new experiences during the pandemic. Photo courtesy of Margaret Williamson.

The not so good things |

All my family live out of Auckland so there were no visits and no hugs. I missed face-to-face visits from my wide circle of friends. There were no live church services, no op shop, no RSA – all of which I've been involved with for many years. But still, I was and am very thankful for my nice warm house, enough food, and for my age – reasonably good health.

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Margaret lives in Auckland, still drives, is IT literate and has lots of friends. She is very involved in her community, including the church and her local op shop.

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