Human contact. It’s essential to our well-being.
During these unprecedented times, we must find new and creative ways of doing things. On Saturday, I heard from a dear friend who works at Rocmaura Nursing Home in Saint John, N.B. She was on her mandated one day off from what I can only imagine has been a hectic, stressful week. She shared a photo she took of Ruth, a resident of the home, sitting back with my book, Grandma Says.
Sally Cummings and the staff have been taking photos of the seniors in their care and posting them so family members can see they are doing well. On Saturday, I posted the photo on my Facebook page and not long after that this private message arrived:
"Hi, Cindy! I saw your beautiful photo of Ruth enjoying your book. I was wondering if you’d share a photo of my aunt who is turning 102 years old on April 7th. She is residing in a nursing home and is missing her family and friends so I’m asking for birthday cards to be sent her way! She is a very ‘young’ senior who loves company and misses her family and friends and this would certainly brighten up her special day!”
That short note broke my heart. Imagine having to spend your 102nd birthday away from your loved ones; reaching a milestone that few of us will ever see, in isolation. Seniors are the gems of our communities. They fought for many of the things we have today. They are the pillars of our society, surely we can do more!
Right now, there are many, many things that we are told we can’t do. We can make a difference here. We can bring joy to a very special lady and her family.
Let’s take a moment to send a birthday with to Mrs. Nettie Wells. The mailing address is:
Westford Nursing Home, 57 Main Street, Port Elgin NB E4M 1L7
I thought about this all day Friday, then on the weekend. The premier of this province announced he would be distributing 800 iPads to long-term care homes across the province so residents can connect with family and friends. A light went off. What if we created a space where families could check out photos and messages from loved ones, regardless of where they are? SaltWire Network reaches thousands of people every day, both digitally and in print. We would like to extend that reach to you.
Send along your text, photos, video messages to [email protected]Subject line: MESSAGES OF HOPE
I’ll let you know where to go to check these out as soon as everything is set up.
When you are connected to a group and feel responsible for other people, that sense of purpose and meaning encourages you to take better care of yourself and take fewer risks. Let’s stay connected and keep the conversation going.
- Want more weather information? Visit your weather page.
- Have a weather question, photo or drawing to share with Cindy Day? Email [email protected]
Cindy Day is the chief meteorologist for SaltWire Network
