The news these days is often depressing at worst and frustrating at best. It’s easy to get caught up in the spin cycle and let it get us down. Never fear… The News Blender has you covered. Once a week we feature Something Good and, in return, all you have to do is tell us something good that has happened to you this week, something you are thankful for, a joke, a cute animal story, an inspiring tale of heroics, a Random Act of Kindness… SOMETHING good.
These are turbulent and scary times, to be sure. But, as always, adversity begets good. Today’s Something Good is about dealing with being quarantined, both the silly and the serious.
First, we have a little something for the pet lovers out there. In this video we have a cat that was a jerk, as cats are wont to be, and almost ruined the fun but ended up saving the day instead. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Personally, I think they should just make the cat part of the Rube Goldberg machine and pat themselves on the back that their project worked.
Second, we have two ladies who found a way to help nursing home residents be less lonely as visitors are prohibited during this public health crisis.
Jill Ashworth Valadao and Sarah Otis Firth, of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, started a fundraiser called “FaceTime for Nana” after Sarah saw a picture of a resident’s daughter trying to communicate through a window at her nursing home with a white board.
Sara thought perhaps iPads would help the residents stay in touch with their families and suggested a fundraiser to her friend Jill, according to The Standard Times. The “FaceTime for Nana” Facebook page, started on March 17, began with a modest goal: raise $300 for an iPad for a local nursing home. By that Friday, $2,000 had been raised. By Sunday morning, $6,000 had been raised.
Jill posted, “$6,000!!!!!!! Oh my Lord! We are blown away. With that said, Sarah and I have decided to end the fundraiser at this time. We are working hard to order and distribute the iPads in the timeliest way possible, and will continue to keep you all updated as we distribute them. We ask that you continue to be part of the greater good and keep contributing to the community with your kindness and empathy!”
Alden Court Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Center posted their thanks for the gift of the iPad, saying, “During such a difficult time, these sweet gestures literally make the residents days. Yesterday more than 75 face time calls were made to families at Alden . This process has kept our families connected and reassured that their loved one is safe and content. The residents get a kick out of the technology and share a few laughs/smiles when they see their loved one on the ipad.”
The post continued, “Our goal is to find positive things to keep the resident spirits up and this is one of the many good things happening. Today, the residents and the staff will be receiving performances from local young performers donating their time and their talents to present mini concerts for the residents VIA FACE TIME. The Ipad gift was a blessing today. So thank you Sarah for thinking of Alden Court.”
They also shared some of the residents enjoying the music concerts via the iPad.
We are so blessed with technology that allows us to be in touch with one another and keep each other safe and smiling during such difficult times. It reminds us that we are never really alone.
Now it’s your turn… Tell me something good!
