As businesses in Queensland start to reopen, my editor hits the road for a much deserved holiday and hospitals reopen to visitors; it is a nice feeling of getting back to business as usual.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The COVID-19 pandemic has and still is affecting many people across the country and around the world, and while three months ago I felt like my world was falling apart, reflecting now it was also a sigh of relief.
The pandemic cancelled our honeymoon, postponed my sister-in-law's wedding and many other trips we had planned for the year - but it was kind of a blessing in disguise.
A "normal" day for me is fast paced, deadline driven, scheduled and organised, but during the pandemic I was forced to slow down.
I took the time to recover from a high level surgery, I was also able to spend some quality time with my son and build sand castles, play monster trucks and have late morning cuddles in bed.
I learnt new recipes and different ways to cook, I finished some household chores that I had been putting off, and built our own veggie garden.
Even though I couldn't compete in any campdrafts this year, I spent time horse riding and taught some friends how to ride.
I spent time raising poddy calves, weeding garden beds, visiting my husband in the stock camp and I got into fitness (never saw that coming haha).
And while I couldn't go down the street for a coffee with friends or travel 2000km to visit my family, it made me cherish those relationships even more.
The friends who reached out to see if I was okay after surgery, the video calls to my family who haven't seen their grandson since Christmas; it made me realise we cannot take anything for granted because it could all be taken away so quickly.
I am grateful that my family is healthy and that we have not been directly impacted by COVID-19 here in the North West. I am thankful to be working and covering news for Mount Isa and the North West region, but I am also grateful for the time I had to recharge and refocus.
I acknowledge everyone's COVID-19 story is different and some people have been affected more than others, but for me COVID-19 was a wake up call to what matters most.
- Senior Journalist, Samantha Campbell
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Friday.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
