From My Desk By Elizabeth Tanner

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Pen Pals

While scrolling through Facebook, I recently came across an interesting post from Victorian Senior Care. The retirement and assisted living facility, located in North Carolina, had posted photos of their residents holding white boards with the words “Will you be my pen pal?” written across the top. Below, the residents listed their names and some of their interests.

Some of my favorites included Eddie who likes crossword puzzles and astronauts, Diane who enjoys coloring and puzzles, Roberta, a former parole officer who loves murder mysteries and positivity journals, Linda who enjoys reading the newspaper and making new friends and Vickie who simply loves cats.

I couldn’t choose just one.

I immediately decided to write Vickie. Having a cat of my own that I love dearly, it felt right to send her a letter along with a few photos of Nami.

I also decided to write Linda. I ,too, enjoy reading the newspaper. After all, I spend a good portion of my time writing it. I sent her a letter and a few back copies of “The Post Dispatch” that I thought she might enjoy.

I’m still debating on writing Eddie. If you’ve read previous columns of mine, you know that I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up. I constantly had my head in books about space and was always watching NASA’s International Space Station livestream. I think we could find some common ground in that.

Victorian Senior Care continues to post residents from nursing homes across North Carolina who are looking for pen pals. Every day I find another person to whom I want to write.

Victorian Senior Care also posts heartwarming videos and photos of the residents receiving their mail. It’s amazing to see how a handwritten letter can make someone’s day.

If you are looking for something to do while being cooped up at home, I highly recommend writing one of these residents or even a resident from our local nursing home.

So, grab a pen and a piece of paper and find a resident with whom you have something in common. If you are feeling giving, the care centers also accept large parcels. So, send them a care package including some of their favorite snacks or puzzle books.

Happy writing!

To be my pen pal, email me at [email protected].