“On behalf of Estelle and my family, I just want to say thank you for the wonderful care which you and your staff give to Tant Miemie and our mom (Mrs Warner). I know that it is not easy for all concerned but we live in unusual times and the stringent lockdown procedures are necessary. We will continue to pray for you, that the Lord will give you the strength, both emotionally and physically, to carry on.”

“There has undoubtedly been a spontaneous eagerness to follow the essential rules. Sanitizing, hand wash, face masks, social distancing have been accepted as personal routines for us to observe. The basic rules have been frequently spelt out and the need for compliance urged. So despite the inevitable grumbles, George and the management team have protected residents, among the most vulnerable victims, making our corridors a safe haven whilst the most vicious disease in world history destroys people throughout the nations and beyond.”

“Wat het ek die meeste geniet van lockdown? Ek het die hele wereld deur gereis op die gemak van my sitbank. Ek het op TV die Travel Channel gekyk en die wereld gesien van ‘n anderkant, ook op my laptop!” En na lockdown, Tannie wat dan?

“I am looking forward to taking a road trip to nowhere, with a pit stop at the casino, a good catch up coffee with lekker moist chocolate cake.”

“The word ‘lockdown’ conveys negative images – confinement, restriction, inaccessibility, or, better, taking precautions.  Nevertheless a lock requires a key – right?  I found I had a whole bunch of keys I could choose from; and I chose to be creative.  First, I resolutely refused a negative response to the fact that we were plunged into the crisis earlier than our “fellow South Africans”.  Thus the situation became an adventure.  How best can I outwit the boredom, the monotony, the restlessness, the fear, the impossible dreams?  What a pity I was told I must be brief!”

“With the corona virus men’s hearts are failing them with fear. They need to know how to find peace in the midst of this terrible situation. The apostle Paul answers the question when he says; “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” In spite of the difficult circumstances and regardless of how unsure the future may seem, your peace of mind will only be secured when you become still before the Lord. He is the only infallible one who is able to overcome life’s challenges.”

“I was going to meet my granddaughter for the first time, and a week before our departure we had to cancel our holiday due to the imposed lockdown. I am looking forward to seeing my children and grandchildren again, soon.”

“Thank you to the amazing staff and management at Rusoord for keeping our loved ones safe! Not an easy time but you’re doing a fantastic job x.”

“It is well known that we sometimes don’t appreciate people, places and things in our lives until they are no more, albeit temporarily. In the past two weeks, since I walked out of PlumRus on lockdown, my longing has grown daily and not only to put my arms around my own beloved Moeder Muis. I miss the folk at the gate. I miss the greetings, smiles and waves as my make my way to reception. I miss Aggie and Lucille’s friendly welcome smiles and warm greetings. But most of all, I miss my Zone 5 Family – saying hello and chatting briefly, enjoying lunch with them in their dining area, trying to have a conversation with Tannie Mimmie who seldom hears my first attempt at talking with her, hearing Mr Anetos calling for assistance… I suppose I just miss the Zone 5 vibe. Thank you to all at PlumRus who have become such an integral part of my life. I miss you all! Stay safe and be blessed!!!”

“Ek het geleer om die kleiner/”simplier” dinge in die lewe te waardeer. Die vryheid om iets te doen op my tyd, in plaas van om op iemand anders se tyd te werk. In hierdie tyd het ek die Here beter leer ken, en ook besef dat familie is jou steunpilare.”

“I will forever remember lockdown 2020. Lockdown was implemented 2 days before my planned wedding. Needless to say we had to quickly change plans and managed to tie the knot the day before lockdown was enforced. I missed doing the activities I usually enjoy such as eating out, going to the beach and visiting with family.”