A letter to my little sister fighting in Wuhan

安徽太湖中學 周艷霞

Feb. 26th, 2020

Dear sister,

I've been thinking to say something to you, my little sister, since the New Year's Eve of 2020.Well, here is the opportunity, but with a mixture of emotions.

As I am writing this you have been fighting in the ICU of Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital for 30 whole days, as a member of the first rotation of Anhui medical support to Wuhan.

First of all, I just want to tell you how much I admire your courage and devotion to be fighting relentlessly against the novel coronavirus pneumonia on the frontline. You and your fellows, heroes in harm's way, are deeply admired by all for your selflessness, courage and determination demonstrated during this difficult time. You are battling not only for the confirmed patients, but for all Chinese. Yet, I dare to say it, after all, from the position of a Chinese.

Your motto,“To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always”, is the famous saying of E．L．Trudeau. I bet you've got what he wanted to say. Or, to put it another way, do everything you can to be responsible for your patients, and care for them with heart and soul. Just as our aging father wrote in the letter “You are the pride of our family”. You will never know how proud I am to have a sister like you, such a good-looking and kind-hearted girl. Up to now, I know that you come into the world not merely to be the belief and hope of me.

However, all I want, during this critical period, is your health and safety. Yes, your health and safety.

Whatever you are faced with, even under the severe epidemic situation caused by the novel coronavirus, I believe you do feel the importance and value of health and life, and so do we. Maybe, by this moment, the very sight of insulating clothing, or the very sight of masks, will be so intolerable a sight for you, and so unbearable a memory lasting forever. But they can ensure your safety in this cruel battle. I know that the virus will not disappear in a very short period of time. I know that you miss the outside world and fresh air, especially your 4-year-old son, in the eyes of whom you are like Ultraman, a superhero fighting bad guys every day.

So don't give yourself too much pressure. Relax and take a few deep breaths. Have a better control of yourself and do your best to keep everything well: work, eat, sleep, exercise, and make time for happy hours. No matter what happens, it is OK to take a deep breath, take a “me” day, smile and recharge. The battle may make you feel tiresome, but do not let it trap you and do not be afraid to challenge it. If so, you must remind yourself of all the people surrounding you with kind hearts and have faith that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

The last point I want to stress is belief and hope. This is the time for facts, not fear. This is the time for science, not rumors.What you can do is to protect yourself and believe tomorrow is another day! I believe, with joint efforts, we will win the fierce war. Because we have the spirit and determination to win! Just as Liu Jie from Shenzhen said: “Our people may get sick, our city may get sick, but we as a brave nation, will never ever get sick.” Perhaps we don't know how long this will take or what cost we have to pay, but we strongly believe we'll win this war, for we are all fighters! And we are always fighting together!

It's late at night but I can't sleep. Winter has gone, and spring is coming. The charming blossoms are saying hello to us,my little sister, just like your sweetest smile. And the last word is that no matter how difficult it is, stay healthy, and come back safely!Love,

Sister, Yanxia