Letter from Jane De Suza

Dear co-passengers on the Hope Train,

I know what you’re going through. How? When I don’t know you? Because we’re all in the same boat. Didn’t I just say ‘train’?

It’s been so long since the journey began. The excitement of  ‘Yay, holidays!’ and spending all day in your pyjamas must have turned into a royal case of The Grumps. You’ve probably pestered your parents to go out and play, and said you’d be careful, but they still didn’t allow it. You’ve had burnt, boring meals. Your mom and dad are exhausted and sometimes snapping at each other, you, the walls, the TV.

Slowly, perhaps, you’ve begun to wonder as well, whether this is a scary time. Will your grandparents, being old, be at risk of falling sick with the Corona virus? Will someone you love go to hospital? Will someone you know die? No one has answers. No one even discusses it seriously with you, because you are a kid.

This, to remind you, is the Hope Train. And that means that hope will go on and on. Though this horrid trip of this horrid virus will end. That’s a promise. If you’ve paid attention in History Class, you’ll see that tornadoes, pandemics, wars have come. And gone. This too, will go.

Till then, make a hope train - find ways to make yourself, and your family, happy. Draw pictures, write a diary, make up stories, write little notes and give them to your mum and dad when they’re tired. Phone your grandparents. Write down what you’re afraid of and tell someone. Cry. Fight. Dress up. Make up games. Watch funny movies. Cuddle your dog – that’s a nice one, that makes both of you feel better (though smellier). 

Here’s my hope train:

The Corona Train – that’s slowing down already. When you’re all grown up, let’s hope you remember how you kept the Hope Train running instead.

With love, (I hope you know me a little better by now),

Jane De Suza

Jane De Suza lives in Singapore, where the virus is as badly behaved. She is the author of many best sellers: Flyaway Boy, the SuperZero series and Uncool – for children – and other books for adults. She is now writing (coincidence?) a book of panic and hope for children caught in Corona times. She is an MBA with a column in The Hindu, and loves animals.