Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #6

Posted byFractured Faith BlogPosted inA Fractured Faith

It’s Day 13/14 in self isolation here. I should be giddy with excitement at the thought of getting out of the house again and breaking free of the shackles of house arrest. But I don’t. For, where is there to go, what is there to do? I thought I would treat the family yesterday to some Chinese food but when I phoned our local takeaway the phone rang unanswered. I phoned two more…nothing. Society has ground to a halt.

The figures continue to escalate, to the point where they become surreal, almost meaningless. Over 1200 deaths in the United Kingdom now, another six in Northern Ireland. It’s scary, do I even want to step outside on Wednesday when I get the all clear? Any excursions will be for basic purposes; to buy food, collect prescriptions and brief exercise. I’m looking forward to running again, but other than that…I’m worried.

I worry about bringing the virus back into our home. As many of you know our eldest daughter Hannah has spina bifida and hydrocephalus. She also has asthma. She is vulnerable as is Fionnuala, her primary carer, who has Type 2 diabetes. Adam and Rebecca, our other two children, are fit and healthy but the slightest cough rings alarm bells. It’s hard not to be paranoid and obsessive when it’s your own kids. Ah…obsession, my old friend.

It’s so easy to be negative when all you see and hear is death and misery. It’s my default setting and I fight the urge of it snowballing and consuming me. I want this blog to be a beacon of hope and light. I have neglected it, too wrapped up in myself and my own selfish needs. We all have gifts and mine is writing. It’s my tool, my weapon. So I intend to wield it, via this medium, to help others and do what I can. That starts now, today.

Keep safe. Stay at home. Don’t give up hope.

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

47 thoughts on “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #6”

  2. Hang in there, mighty warrior. Stay home, keep writing. Some of the best minds are working on slaying the dragon.
    If each of us does our part to keep our physical distance but keep connected through social media and keep our faith in God, we can see the good in our lives (roof, food, family time) and help quell the fears that bubble inside us. Praying for you and the world. We are in this together and will beat this together.

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  3. It has been difficult to maintain a positive outlook through the continuous stream of negative news stories. However, yesterday I looked out the window as I was once again obsessively washing my hands and thinking of vulnerable friends. The birds were chirping and the daffodils were prancing. Wow! Eureka! It’s spring! Spring brings us hope. You know, spring ALWAYS comes. What a miracle! God will never leave us without hope. We can maintain it by countering every negative thought with a positive one. For example, the deaths. Yes, that is tragic and we pray for them and their families. However, ALL of my grandparents survived the 1918 pandemic and that (I think) was worse than this one. Amazing! Faith, common sense, practical health and safety measures will get us through. You can do this!

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  5. The pen is mightier than the sword and, in this case, the pen is probably the only way we can combat the ills done by this virus. I’m glad you’re using your gift to share light and I hope everyone stays healthy!!

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  9. I identify with your fears and obsession. K has type 2 diabetes and I have asthma. My 6 yr. old has a respiratory disease. My 16 yr old is fit as a fiddle. Praying that you and your family stay well. 🌱

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  10. Stay strong it seems that the health care system in northern Ireland is copying much better than England and mainland UK. Do the maths look at the total population of northern island and the total population of the area where the 1200 deaths you mention happened. Statistically if the death figures are accurate a lot more should of died in Northern Ireland.

    I’m seeing a lot of positives during this outbreak. People smiling more, enjoying the beauty on their doorsteps during the hours exercise. Kids learning to ride bikes. I’m stuck in Edinbugh where homeless services are still refusing to house me. However it’s down to bloggers like us to lift everyone’s spirits dispelling the fear coronavirus propaganda is trying to produce.

    Stay strong Stay sensible protect the NHS and be a light shining in the darkness

    Billie Human

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  11. Here’s some humorous and wise quotes to cheer during these trying times: “Outside of a dog, a book’s a man’s best friend; inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” (Groucho Marx). “A child of five would understand this; quick, someone fetch a child of five.” (Groucho Marx again). “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” (Martin Luther). So keep planting your apple tree: write, write, write!

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  12. I can’t imagine the concern you have for your children. Mine are both healthy, thankfully, yet I still fret.
    You are fighting the good fight by remaining home. Blessings. Regina

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  14. Remember, writing is our sanctuary, our salvation. Go to the page and write. When everything else feels broken…write!

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                  1. You’ve nailed it again, Stephen! I think I found my new favorite series. Where to begin. First of all, genius storytelling. Although the expected crime drama tropes are in place they only form the foundation here. So many plot surprises! The shot framing and overall artistic direction is top notch. An eclectic cast… very solid performers. The icing on the cake? Those delicious accents. Swoon 🙂 Just Brilliant! Many thanks for pulling my day out of the doldrums xx

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  18. I have enjoyed all of your posts because it’s like having a beacon out there that things are going to get better. These times are difficult and you do give comfort and hope to many of us. 😀

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