Martha* shared her story with Frud about her ordeal during the Covid-19 pandemic: Part 2

Nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition the business stress, my mother contracted Coronavirus and was hospitalised.

At first, we did not think much of it, she had been in the hospital for more severe circumstances in the past, so we thought, “it’s nothing to worry about, she is our strong mum”, a mother who raised five children on her own as a single parent. 

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we could not visit her in hospital. That worried me even more, the thought of not seeing and supporting the woman who has always been there for me. And then we got the most dreaded call; she passed away and to make it more painful no family member was by her bedside. I had just lost my best friend and life stopped for a few months. In addition to that despair, the weight of solitude, not able to share that pain with loved ones was unbearable. 

We had to close the shop for a month, and I thought I had the hardest time of my life. Then suddenly my husband became unwell and we all decided to get tested and sadly we all tested COVID-19 positive. My condition became critical and I was taken to hospital and was on oxygen for three weeks, thankfully not on a ventilator. 

Light at the end of the tunnel 

A few weeks down the line, I have now recovered even though I still have regular pains. I’m not sure whether the pain is physical or emotional. One year into this pandemic, it has changed my life. 

While in hospital, I had practical support in a way I never imagined I would receive help, especially during these difficult times. My husband and children were supported since they could not leave the house, with shopping, cooked food and toiletries. We were provided with relevant information on how we could get further support from the government for our business. I had been so withdrawn since my mother’s death that I could not make sense of things. We were overwhelmed with debts from the business. 

I am grateful to have my immediate family and we still look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. 

You can read Part 1 of this story here.