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A little support goes a long way for health care workers

Childrens’ chalk drawings welcomed by senior walkers
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Hearts on doors, windows and sidewalks are popping up everywhere as a sign of hope in this COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Kathleen Kelly)

We can watch the Vancouver Parade in support of front line workers on TV or we can join a small group of like-minded supporters here in Chemainus.

At 7 p.m. every night, the bell atop the Bees Wax red studio on Maple Lane is rung in unison with neighbours rhythmically beating their wooden spoons or hand held pots. Every country is finding a way of showing support for front line workers in hospitals, clinics, grocery stores, pharmacies, construction, takeouts, hotels and post offices. Together, we are unified in celebrating life and supporting one another from a social distance.

I would like to give a special thank you to the children who did the chalk drawings on Oak Street for us walkers. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated, as is your artistic abilities. Your drawing brings back memories for us seniors of our childhood when we chalked regularly on sidewalks. Maybe you will want to make a Hop Scotch as well. I will be watching for it.

To readers of this article, please wave to the children as you pass by. They cleverly chalked a message “there is a camera over the car in the carport, please wave.” Children are finding more ways of helping adults not to be overly anxious and estranged from one another while maintaining social distancing.

Also, thank you to the children and families who put hearts in their windows or on their doors to keep reminding us to love. “Love one another as I have loved you” “Remain in my love.”

(Kathleen Kelly is a Chemainus resident and author of the book ‘The Tornadoes We Create.’)

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For whom the bell tolls is all part of the noisemaking process in support of health care providers. The bell atop the Bees Wax red studio on Maple Lane rings out every night at 7. (Photo by Kathleen Kelly)
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Gunnell Borge of Sandpiper Gardens & Glass joins the Laurel Street noisemaking in appreciation of health care workers. (Photo by Kathleen Kelly)
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Neighbours along Laurel Street make some noise for health care workers. (Photo by Kathleen Kelly)
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Everyone at Sandpiper Gardens & Glass has been on board with nightly noisemaking in support of health care workers in this difficult time. (Photo by Kathleen Kelly)
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