Today is Independence Day, which means you might be reading this on your smartphone while headed to a pool party, barbecue, or fireworks show. Whenever a holiday rolls around, I try to remind myself about those who aren’t able to celebrate fully due to illness or infirmity. You may have a loved one who is in the hospital, or living in a retirement community or nursing home. These centers usually try to make an effort to have a festive atmosphere, but it’s just not the same as being out and about with friends and family.
There are also those who have few family members to come out and support them. One Valentine’s Day, a community service I once worked with had volunteers write and send cards to nursing home patients. Friends I know make a point of taking their young children to a local nursing home every Christmas to decorate doors, hand out gifts, and visit the residents. Other friends send letters thanking veterans on Memorial Day.
What can you do to make this day, and other holidays, a little brighter for someone who can’t run out to a picnic or pool party?