What I Learned from the Coronavirus

Description

Media Type

Image

Item Type

Book covers

Description

After the first week of our self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic, Terry O’Brien asked his grandchildren (Harper 6, Hayden 5, and Asher 4) to draw pictures of their experiences during this strange time in our lives. He also asked Harper to write a sentence or two each day about what she was experiencing.

While this started out as an attempt to occupy young children during their quarantine, Terry (Papa) collected their art and reflections a few weeks later. He was so pleased with their efforts he put them together in a book called, "What I Learned from the Coronavirus". It seems that we often learn the most from our greatest challenges. This goes for kids as well. Their pandemic experience has taught Harper, Hayden, and Asher powerful lessons about connection, reverence, humility, and hope.

Harper's reflections in the book show that she understands we are all a part of something wonderful (connection), something that is much greater than ourselves (reverence), something that we cannot fully understand (humility), and that our actions can have an impact beyond just ourselves (hope).

The 3 kids have also learned that there are many who are suffering greatly as a result of the pandemic. When the book was complete they wondered if it could be used to raise money for people in need in our community. Papa suggested, and it was decided, to offer a free electronic (contactless) copy of the book to anyone who would make a donation to the local United Way. The United Way does great work in the community providing basic needs, community services, and help for seniors.

A post was made on Facebook with a link to the United Way donation page for people to make a donation: https://give.unitedway.ca/donate/UWCCC-SPC1 . An email address (OneWorldHarper@gmail.com) was also provided for participants to confirm their donation and for a reply email to deliver the book.

The essential message of the book is that we are stronger together and we will be even stronger when we defeat the coronavirus!

In Harper’s words:

Learning about the ways we can fight the coronavirus made me feel brave. I know we can all work together to fight the coronavirus so I am not scared. I wanted to write this book so other kids will not be scared either. My family is staying home but we are having fun, learning, and talking to our loved ones while staying safe. We miss hugs but show each other love in other ways. Stay safe and love each other.

Date of Original

April 2020

Subject(s)

COVID-19

Geographic Coverage

Whitby

Ontario, Canada

Latitude: 43.88342 Longitude: -78.93287

Donor

Jessica Flanigan

Creative Commons licence

[more details]

Copyright Statement

This item is protected by the Canadian Copyright Act and is intended for one-time use only. Uses other than research or private study require the permission of the rightsholder(s). It is your responsibility for obtaining these permissions.

Copyright Date