We're all appreciating the small things lately, whether it's getting a takeaway coffee on your socially distanced walk, nailing your homemade sourdough or finishing a television series you've been meaning to get to. But some of us have had less freedom to enjoy ourselves in the last few weeks, with people over 70 and/or medically vulnerable asked to cocoon indoors.
Finally, however, restrictions were lifted on Tuesday to allow them to exercise within the 5km radius of their homes, a moment of freedom captured in the story of Ann Brophy, who was self-isolating and being filmed for Operation Transformation: Keeping Well Apart.
Tonight in the final ep of @OPTranRTE, Ann talks about what it means to her to spend some precious time outside.#OTKWA pic.twitter.com/mTcexeJUu4
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) May 6, 2020
In last night's finale, viewers saw Ann leave her apartment for the first time in weeks, which made her feel "like Nelson Mandela", as she told Ray D'Arcy on his show. "Since the 11th of March, I've been in here watching the world go by. Finally, I got to go out!"
While Ann is only 61, she does have diabetes, COPD, and a number of other health conditions, making her vulnerable. "I decided there's just no point in putting myself at risk and then putting an extra burden on what could potentially be a very heavily impacted A&E. It just wouldn't be right for me to do it."
Living in an apartment, she only has a balcony. Last night's episode saw Brian from the community garden drop by with a selection of flowers and plants to brighten her space. "I have geraniums out there, lettuces, mint, chives and they're thriving. This is amazing as I don't have green fingers, I've black ones. These are growing!"
These words say it all... have thoroughly enjoyed watching this series....would touch your heart and warm your soul! Well done to all involved! #staysafe #StayAtHome #otkwa https://t.co/jGCMsmCUCj
— Mary Prosser (@MaryProsser6) May 6, 2020
And on her first trek out to the nearby walled garden, she was greeted by host Kathryn Thomas, who cheered her on her resilience and strength. "It was just gorgeous, it was a perfect day and a perfect way to reintroduce myself to society. To be honest with you now, the auld legs were a bit wobbly and I was a little bit nervous."
With the time to reflect during the past weeks, Ann says she's seen moods truly lift, especially as restrictions are eased. "It's like everything Ray, I think we've become accustomed to having little or no freedom and we've become accustomed to being a little bit more positive, more reflective.
"So every little gain is wonderful. You do say to yourself, 'you know what? There are people out there worse than I am.'"
Thanks so much to all our families and to @FightingWordsIE for such a heartwarming ending, and thanks to everyone who joined us, taking part in the series and watching #otkwa 💓💓💓 pic.twitter.com/QLcp6DMisk
— OT RTÉ (@OpTranRTE) May 6, 2020
Her own journey has been a profound one: "I feel like I felt maybe six to ten years ago. I feel totally empowered and I feel I can do anything. I'll be out there, Michael D better look out! I'll be in the Áras, the world's me oyster!"
And it hasn't been without its lessons: "The most important thing I've learned is that I can face anything. I can actually survive and I don't need to be stressing and getting myself into a state whereby I think if I don't have all the accouterments, I'm not going to be able to succeed.
"We are resilient as people."
To hear more about what she's taken from self-isolation and how Karl Henry has changed her life, listen back to the interview above.
