November 12 2026, World Kindness Day: To Our Six-Year-Old Daughter Born in the Pandemic Winter

     

November, 12, 2026, World Kindness Day

 

Words to our six-year-old daughter born in the pandemic winter on World Kindness Day

Dearest Daughter,

Today is November 12, World Kindness Day. Watching you walk into school in your neat uniform, skipping happily with your schoolbag on your back, Mommy and Daddy’s hearts are overflowing with emotion and gratitude.

Six years ago, you were born at a time when the pandemic was raging. Back then, the whole of Hong Kong was shrouded in gloom. The streets were deserted, everyone wore masks, and people kept their distance from one another. As first-time parents holding you in our arms, our hearts were filled with worry and helplessness about the future. Yet, it was during those darkest days that we witnessed the most touching and tear-jerking kindness in Hong Kong.

We remember when you were just over a month old, medical supplies in Hong Kong were severely scarce, and even basic sanitizers and masks were nearly impossible to find. One night, you suddenly developed a high fever. We were frantic with worry, only to realize we had almost run out of fever patches and masks at home. Living on an island, late-night transportation was difficult, so we posted a desperate message for help in our local community chat group.

We didn't hold out much hope, yet within ten minutes, replies started pouring in. An elderly grandmother living alone in the neighboring village, whom we had never met, braved the chilly wind to bring us half a box of adult masks she had saved for herself and a pack of fever patches. Standing outside our metal gate, she looked at us with gentle yet determined eyes and said, "The baby comes first. I rarely go out anyway—take these and use them!" Shortly after, several other neighbors quietly left fever medicine and a thermometer at our doorstep. Not a single person left their name, and no one accepted a single cent.

That night, looking at the supplies left outside our door, Mommy and Daddy held each other in the living room and wept. In a cold winter where everyone was anxious and resources were scarce, these humble Peng Chau neighbors built the warmest shield of selfless love around you. You did not just grow up under your parents' care; you grew up safely bathed in the kindness of an entire island.

Sweetheart, today you are six years old and a Primary One student. The world has returned to its lively self, and you no longer have to know the world from behind a mask. As you learn to love and care for others at school, we hope you will always remember the warmth that surrounded the very beginning of your life.

Kindness does not need to be grand. It can be offering your seat on the ferry, saying a warm hello to a neighbor, or handing a tissue to a classmate who is feeling sad. May you carry the kindness you received from birth, pass that love and warmth on to everyone around you, and grow into a wonderful child with light in your eyes and love in your heart.

Happy World Kindness Day! We will always love you.

With all our love,

Mommy and Daddy

November 12, 2026

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