Dear LPG,

I have just realised that, if LPG can print this on the day I have asked, today could well mark the 2^nd Easter Sunday that we have spent in our homes and I note that the Government have not made the Christmas mistake of telling everyone that they can have a lockdown holiday this time, but with one week left before the restrictions are scheduled to begin to get lifted yet again, I suspect that I am not the only person who has their reservations about if it will all really happen. 

I have to admit that while I don’t believe in buying grandchildren chocolate because they get quite enough of that from their parents, aunts and uncles, the other day I found the little toys that I bought for my grandchildren’s last Easter. Last year we were just getting into the swing of self-isolation and I remember thinking that I would get the presents and, when it is all over and we get together again a little later in the year, they would have something to look forward to. I thought it then, but now I wonder if they will be too old for those gifts by the time I see them again.

This year I have learned a lot more about getting the internet to send such things for me although, I have a feeling that what I have sent them might be a little late. I had one of those advance telephone chats with their parents where I warned that the presents were on the way and while talking to my daughter I said something that truly worried me when I actually thought about what I was saying.

This year I have organised a bit better than I did at Christmas, but I again had to warn her that the presents would arrive a little late for the actual day.  She mentioned that there would be less likelihood of the many Christmas postal delays.  I could not disagree with that, but then I caught myself saying the phrase, ‘Not to worry, I’ll get it right by next year.’ 

Once I had said it I realised that the statement was a good one but also a very alarming one.  I am very proud that I have learnt so much about sending presents with the help of the internet, but could it be that I am subconsciously accepting that I will always need to send such presents this way.

This time last year we thought all this would last through the Spring of 2020, and even possibly the Summer, but I never dreamed we would be doing this into a second year. Could it be that we are all listening to the official promises of freedom but, having brought the whole scenario this far with us into 2021, the back of my mind is accepting that 2022 could well greet us while we are still stuck at home? 

OK, enough pessimism.  Whatever your thoughts on Easter, it is the time when for many the most significant Christian miracle of all happened, or at least a celebration of rebirth and rejuvenation, and I hope that will be its true significance this year… Happy Easter everyone.

VM, Surrey