It is a year this week that I undertook my final concerts of 2020 and in the week to follow the final face to face rehearsals of the year too.

It seems then appropriate that I should be returning to teach tomorrow, having only worked out of the house for 3 months in the last 12. Home covid test taken and vaccinations booked and I can’t help but marvel at the extent of the significant developments in science and medicine over the past year.

Simon Sinek wrote “Life is beautiful not because of the things we see or do. Life is beautiful because of the people we meet.” Tomorrow sees step 1 of the relaxation of restrictions and for so many meeting one other person for a coffee, on a socially distanced park bench will mean such a lot. So many have remained at home and will continue to do so for sometime yet, but we must support everyone on their journey back to a more normal way of living.

It has been a difficult year and we are not through it yet and I know that the next 3 weeks will be tense for everyone as we monitor the daily statistics following an almost full scale return to education.

There have been many changes in the way we work, live and interact and many have had irreparable damage done to their livelihoods, their home lives and so much more. But we are resilient and we will cope.

I am not naive in my understanding that for some it will be difficult and for others, changes will inevitably have to be made, and the road may still be difficult. I am reminded of the words of the Irish Blessing:

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

My hope is that we can all be kind and supportive and understand the challenges that people may be facing.

There is no room for bitterness, anger or retribution – only kindness, forgiveness and support. I have no doubt that questions will be asked for many years about how the pandemic was handled, but for now we all need help to find the strength to recover and heal.