Friendship in the age of Lockdown

As the lockdown era dawned, kids across the UK and Europe felt like they were living in a giant bubble, cut off from their buddies at school.

It’s crazy to think back on it now, but we were only allowed out for an hour each day. So, my daughter and I hopped on our bikes and zoomed off to our local park, Streatham Common and the Rookery, to escape the same old routine and catch up with friends.

Thank goodness for the summer of 2020, giving us some relief. Being outdoors with our pals, swapping stories and just hanging out was like a breath of fresh air.

Sophie, being her creative self, recorded an audio for her teacher, sharing a poem that really spoke to her. Listening to it today, it hits me hard how tough those times were, but also how special those moments of togetherness really were.

At the end of every tunnel,
there is a light somewhere,
a light of hope and reason,
and a light to guide us to
the safety from the dark,
to outstretched hands there.
These hands hold out friendship,
something everyone needs,
for friendship brings a wealth
much more than anything money can buy,
for without this wealth,
many of us would
just shrivel up and die.

David Harris