Blog
Missing the ‘floordrobe!’
It's the time of year when young adults are leaving home for the first time to study. Our CEO, Sarah Maguire, in her Friday vlog appreciates the importance of keeping connected, for all families everywhere, whatever their circumstances.
Last weekend lots of families packed up their cars with boxes, books, pots and pans, alongside their children as they made the journey to colleges and universities all over the country. I remember this so well eight years ago when I left my daughter in Bristol for the start of her course.
It still raises emotions for me today as I think about the adjustments I had to make to my life. A person I was so used to seeing all the time - just wasn’t there. I remember bursting into tears as I realised we wouldn’t be watching EastEnders together anymore - although I realise some of you may say it was the fact that we actually watched EastEnders that made me cry! I missed the ‘floordrobe’ of clothes and of course I missed this funny, infuriating, loving young person.
What I didn’t expect was to experience this again with my now 81-year-old mum who lives in a care home. It wasn’t so much missing seeing her everyday, as I left home many moons ago. It was the fact we couldn’t see her during lockdown. We adjusted like all families and found different ways to see each other. But whether 18 or 81 keeping connected with the people I love is fundamental to keeping me centred, grounded and functioning. We need to remember this for all those people we support and their families who rely on us to keep the connections and ensure they flourish no matter what’s happening in the world.
Have a good weekend as always. Bye.