June 26, 2020 — This has long been one of our most popular birthday cards, with its fun inside that reads, “It works for me!” But, in all seriousness, watching the rise to record numbers this past week, we have to say that denial is not working for our country.
I live in a surge state, so it was very heartening to hear Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) say, “I just hope everybody does the best they can to protect themselves. And we know how. We’ve been told repeatedly how to do it — just do it. Everyone should just wear a damn mask.”
Here on Miami Beach, it’s been concerning to see the number of people not wearing masks while crossing paths on their morning and evening walks. My beloved 97-year-old friend and neighbor Hannlis and I will often sit safely on the second-floor balcony in the evening, people-watching. We’ll watch and sadly wonder, “Don’t they have people who love them and count on them to not get or give this deadly virus? And don’t they want this costly pandemic behind us all sooner than later?!”
When I see these neighbors, I’d like to say something from a loving place to encourage them to wear masks for all our sakes, but what do I say? No matter how well-meaning I might be, if I come off as preachy, judgmental or antagonistic, that would do more harm than good.
Given that Cardthartic prides itself on “providing the words when words are hard to come by,” I searched for something wise, positive and persuasive to say to those putting themselves (and all of us) at greater risk each day. I found a great NYT piece by Perri Klass, M.D., a Harvard-educated pediatrician and author and, therein, found the words.
What Dr. Klass said sounded so rational, thought-provoking and kind, I would feel comfortable making the same points. So, this weekend, I’m going to give it a try. Quoting Dr. Klass, I plan to take a few chances and say:
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- The challenge we face right now is to hold on to the hard-won gains from staying home and shutting down, and to avoid increased transmission.
- In other parts of the world, masks have proven to be a big, effective part of the solution.
- You can feel a little safer in a mask, because you will be.
- You can feel like a good and generous citizen in a mask, because you will be.
- You can teach your children to feel safe and proud when they wear a mask, because they deserve to … they will be helping make a safer world.
- What a beautiful thing a mask is, if it gives us back our world!
Those are all message points that would stick with me. And below you’ll find a few messages that might stick with you (because they’re on magnets, get it?! Sorry, I was trying to end on a lighter note :)
Thanks for considering and, if you’ve found your own loving and effective ways to get safety messages across, please use the Comments section below. Stay well, Cardies. The world needs you and your own wonderful way with words.
jodee stevens
founder & chief creative
My mask has a message it says in writing across the nose piece area “I care”
Well and Lovely way you are telling each of us: please wear a mask 😷 it safes lives.
I’ve been sewing, and taking extra cotton masks — like party-favors! — to socially distant outdoor gatherings such as waving happy birthday signs outside a friend’s window. Do you and Hannlis need some? ; )
How about wearing flag masks on Fourth of July? If we all wear them our annual July 4th photos will memorialize our patriotism and love of neighbors. Another benefit is as a senior (69 years young) the mask covers half my wrinkles :)