Posie And The Pandemic
Written by Tami Quinn, Shwt’ám:etsel—ASCD, AIDP, AFP with Illustrations by Karlene Harvey. Produced for Stό:lō Health Services
The Play ground was bustling that day. The sun was shining brightly and the children were excited about the upcoming Spring Break. Posie was dreaming up all kinds of fun things she could do with her friends and family. Or so she thought.
Things started to change. Posie was noticing lots of children were away and some of the teachers too. Finally the last day of school arrived and Mrs. Brown wanted to talk to all the children together. They all sat on the carpet to listen. Mrs. Brown told them that there was a virus going around called COVID 19. She said that lots of people were getting sick from this tiny germ. It has become a worldwide PANDEMIC! She said that we all need to be very careful!
“What do you mean careful?” Posie asked. “Well we have to wash our hands really well, keep to our personal space and stay at home as much as possible, especially if you are sick.” “I’ll be sending this notice home to your parents so you can talk to them about it.” She gave each child a notice but there were lots of big words on it and it was hard to understand. Then Mrs. Brown mentioned that there would be an extra long Spring Break.
Posie went home and after her babysitter left, she showed the notice to her mom. “What does this mean?” asked Posie. “Well Posie,” her mom said “This notice is telling us about the virus that is going around. It has made a lot of people very sick in other countries and now it has come here. The virus is called COVID 19 and it has become a Worldwide Pandemic. This notice is telling us what to do to stay safe.”
“What is a pandemic?“ Posie asked. Posie’s mom explained, “A pandemic is when a virus spreads in many places and has become hard to control. The nurses and doctors are very busy trying to keep up.” “Oh,“ said Posie, “Is it like the flu?”
“Well, kind of“, her mom replied, “But it is MUCH more serious than the flu.“
“Well we all got the flu shot so we should be fine,” Posie exclaimed.
“Posie this is similar to the flu but different. All viruses are different. The flu shot doesn’t protect us from all of them. And, it DEFINITELY does not protect us from this virus. This is why we have to do all we can to protect ourselves.
“How will we do that?” asked Posie. “Well there are lots of things we CAN do Posie,” “First of all we have to stop the spread of germs. It is more important now than ever to wash our hands REALLY REALLY well.”
“Oh I can do that easy!” Posie said.
“Then,” said Posie’s mom, “We have to remember that other people don’t recover as well from viruses and can also get sicker easier, so we need to keep things extra clean by washing and wiping down surfaces, belongings, bags and other things.” “I’ll Help!” Posie replied.
Posie’s mom continued, “We also have to look out for those we love who are older and maybe not as healthy as we are.” “You mean like Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie Suzie?” P osie asked. “Yes you are right Posie.” said her mom.
“How can I help with this?” Posie asked. “Well we are going to have to take a break from visiting and play dates.“ Posie’s mom explained.
Posie shed a small tear. “I love my grandma and grandpa. I will also miss my friends. I am so worried.” “It is okay Posie, we are all worried and sometimes we are scared. This is a good time to practice our 7 laws of life. Health, Happiness, Generosity, Forgiveness, Humbleness, Understanding and Generations.“
“We can practice Physical Distancing. This means that we stay home and only go out when necessary, like to buy milk and eggs. If we’re out, we should stay apart from others.” Posie looked up and said, “I will miss my friends and grandparents.” Posie’s mom looked at her and smiled, “I know it’s hard but we can still see and check on family without getting physically close.” We can do video chats, phone calls or even send out letters.”
“Oh that might be fun!” Posie said.
Posie’s mom was really calm. “Let’s get creative! We can even make small gifts or pick up groceries and drop them at the door. We can ring the bell and run away like a game.” Posie giggled, “Oh I would love to do that!”
“I can do my part too!” Posie said confidently. Posie’s mom gave her a gentle rub on the back and said, “Let’s go outside and play for a while before dinner.” “You mean we can still play?” Posie asked. Posie’s mom giggled a little, “Yes of course we can. We just have to keep our distance from others.”
They went outside and played. The birds chirped quietly and the sun shone. Somehow Posie knew it would all be okay. Posie and her mom shared stories and even a prayer. They brought some cedar in from outside to cleanse their home and keep their fears away.
Posie and her mom went back inside for dinner. They washed their hands really well. By this time, their brother and dad had come in.
When dinner was ready they all sat down at the table. Posie told her brother and dad all she had learned about the big Pandemic COVID 19. They had a great talk and decided that they would all need to stick together to do their part.
Posie and her brother Facetime’d with their grandparents before bed. Grandma and Grandpa were both feeling well. They said that they were very proud of Posie and her family for learning about the virus. They were happy that they were staying safe and thinking of the safety of others.
Posie’s worries about the Pandemic were put to rest and she slept well that night. She knew that she could ask her mom or dad more questions any time that she needed to and she felt safe.
Words of Wisdom from Elder Francis Charlie
Elders teach us to use cedar boughs in our home. Cedar bows hung above doorways keep good feeling in the home.
Burning Candles are a way to bless the home. Flame of the candle is the connection to the spirit. Praying and lighting a candle brings good energy to the home.
Elders teach us to brush our home with cedar boughs. We are taught to brush the walls of the home. Brushing leaves a good feeling in our home.
This is something you might want to do in your home during a time when things are uncertain and many of us are worried and afraid.