Some took an oath, others took the request but one thing is for sure, all essential workers made the selfless decision to put their needs second to their fellow countrymen. A choice that was not wasted on two young Northcliff residents.
After reading a request on their community WhatsApp group to stand in their driveways and either clap, sing, blow vuvuzela or play and instrument, Michael and Alison Storie decided to take part in the appeal and play instruments. For Michael it was the bagpipe and for his sister it was the drums. “I thought it would be a wonderful idea to play my bagpipes at 7pm. Being only 12 years old and confined to our property for 21 days, I knew what I could do to be of service to others at this time was limited,” said Michael. Adding he decided to use his talent to support those who are able to do something big like the doctors, nurses, petrol attendants and supermarket workers.
They started all this on the first night of the lockdown. “While we were having a braai outside, our neighbour chatted to us over the wall. She said how much she enjoyed the pipes I was playing and encouraged me to practise,” Michael shared.
That is what sealed the deal for him and so he and his equally talented sister started practising after completing their Google Classroom schoolwork. The pair was encouraged to carry on with the music after their mother showed them the response their efforts was getting on social media.
“My sister plays drums at our school, De La Salle Holy Cross College School pipe band and although she doesn’t have her snare drum at home with her she plays along on her drum kit.”
He is also thankful for the support of his parents.
For them, the community has been wonderful by them always coming out to listen in the evenings and clap. Facebook groups like I Love Fairland and I Love Northcliff have equally encouraging. Their school has also done the same, telling him to keep going. “Our school motto is ‘Be first that you may be of service’ and this is what our essential services are doing every day, this is why we have to support them.”
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Michael said this is a difficult time and this is one way he and his sister can help raise awareness while staying in lockdown at home. They will make sure to do their best and carry on with their music throughout the lockdown as this is something small they can offer.
Alison hopes to one day become a doctor and in so doing will become one of those people currently working on the frontline. “I would like to protect her future too.”
To the essential workers, the Storie family sends out a big thank you, as without you the country would collapse. “Please keep safe, look after yourselves and your families and know that you are truly appreciated.”
During this time, they implore people to remain at home, practise good hygiene and social distancing as we are all in this together. They added this disease doesn’t care about who you are and it is important to protect the most vulnerable in our communities so we can return to a normal life as soon as possible.
“I would like to encourage everyone to go outside at 7pm every night and clap, cheer, or play a musical instrument to honour those brave men and women who put their lives in danger to us daily,” concluded Michael.
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