But then those postal exchanges were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both of us had other things to worry about amid the virus that upended the world. She emailed me in late March with a short note: "With children we must not out or just with a protective mask. ... I have 7 coronavirus infected in town. We got protective masks in hospitals too. We sew them at home on sewing machines and distribute them to hospitals, firefighters, police, retirement homes ... We try to be calm and take everything easy."
I wrote back, but then I didn't hear from her again until last week, when a small box arrived in the mail. Inside, much to my surprise, were the masks and face shields you can see in the photo here. In the short accompanying letter, Kamila laments that Easter passed without many of the usual traditions being observed. She adds: "I also send medical drapes, please give them to those who need and do not have them. ... I like the cheerful children's motives. I sew them in my hand. Otherwise, I would send more. I also [send] a protective shield that we print to the 3D printer at home for all who need it. Especially for hospitals, police, senior homes. ... At this time we must all help each other. I hope you, your family and friends are all right."
What an incredible and generous gift to send all the way overseas. They will be put to good use. And she's right, at this time we must all help each other.
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