Many years ago I spent a winter living in Denmark. I was cold to my bones and just downright miserable. For someone coming from the land of sunshine, the contrast was too much to bear. So I reached out to the homeland and asked for a food parcel – Marmite, Mrs Ball’s chutney, Maltabella, Chappies bubblegum and Wilson block toffees. All things foreign to the Danish, probably also foreign to most people now. But did those items bring a smile to my face!
When lockdown started 13 days ago, I did not grab toilet paper. I grabbed Marmite, Mrs Ball’s chutney, Maltabella, Chappies bubblegum and Wilson block toffees.
I have come to realize that these items are not just a reminder of a place. They are a reminder of a time; a time when life was simple and uncomplicated and carefree. They are a reminder of my childhood. I was immortal then and nothing could pierce my armour.
My husband is a doctor in one of the COVID-19 patient isolation units. When he leaves home I stress; when he returns I stress.
The garage door opens. My husband has returned from work.
I reach for the Marmite.
