Beyond The Garden Gate

by GILL STEWART

Cherry blossom in the Dove Cottage garden

Beyond the garden gate, has taken on a new meaning for me and I am sure for many others. Whether it be a gate, a fence, a window, life has changed for all in a very short time. For some, it has been a time to breathe , to slow down and catch breath; an opportunity to tidy and reorganise, to garden, to plan. And for some just to be.

But not all are so fortunate as to have a house and a garden, or a rural location. Many are stuck in flats in city centres with children to entertain and the pressures of home schooling, made more difficult with the lack of opportunity to exercise, to run free ... get rid of steam. There are elderly in care homes with families unable to visit. Elderly and young alike living in isolation.

So, it is for all those in difficult circumstances that my thoughts and prayers are with this Easter. Easter is a time of hope, of new life , new beginnings. We look forward with hope to a brighter day when lockdown is a thing of the past and families and friends and school children re-united, when once again our doors can be flung open to welcome widely, or to step freely from our homes.
Wishing all a peaceful and blessed Easter 🐣.

Stay home, stay safe, save lives, look after our NHS , and other vital public services 👏