We’re still in the midst of a pandemic, but there are still things to appreciate
As much as we had hoped to have COVID in our rearview mirror by now, we don’t—not just yet. New variants and the unvaccinated complicate things for all of us, so please don’t let your guard down. If you’ve been vaccinated, it may be time for your booster, and if you have young children who are eligible for the vaccination, please listen to your health care professional. Please keep your children as safe as possible.
The noise on social media and the manipulation of vulnerable minds by “real fake news” does not have to get the best of us. My hope is that, one day and on our own, we can figure out how to work across all kinds of lines that get drawn for us. We are all human beings. Our love and caring must be powerful enough to prevail over discontent and evil intentions.
Try this first: Start each day with a grateful heart. Speak kind words, and pass it on.
Some good news:
– Northern Kentucky University has been named the top public university in the state for “best value college” by SmartAsset on its seventh annual list that tells students where they get the best value for their dollars. The top 10 list also included three private institutions, and Centre College in Danville was No. 1, besting NKU by just a smidgeon—while also costs $41,000 in tuition compared to NKU’s $10,031.
– Brighton Center (and its Brighton Properties) is just one terrific NKY nonprofit that steps up to help folks who need help. This time, it teamed up with NKU, the city of Highland Heights and an amazing group of funders to break ground on the Opportunity House. The 15 efficiency and one bedroom apartment facility will be open in time for the fall semester at NKU, providing housing and counseling—and an opportunity for young adults who might not otherwise be able to even consider the advantages of higher education. Opportunity House is well-named indeed.
– St. Vincent de Paul is focusing on how to keep folks warm this winter, so if you have gently used winter coats, consider dropping them in the bins you’ll see around town or take them to a St. Vincent de Paul site. They’ll make sure to put them to best use.
– And if you have children’s books that your children have outgrown, take them to the Campbell County Library and they’ll put them to great service as part of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. The library distributes free books to kids—books they can keep and treasure. While you’re at it, drop off some new packages of kid underwear and socks for the library’s innovative “Drop Your Drawers” annual campaign. It provides extra underwear to schools for those days when kids have embarrassing “accidents” at school and need to make a quick change.
See? There are plenty of opportunities to spread your kindness around. And, who knows, an act of kindness might help you get out of the COVID-gloom depths too. One kindness at a time.
We just need to remember that despite the steady drum of negativity, there are good people out there.
Recently, I was in a busy big-box-store parking lot unloading my purchases into the trunk of my car, when I got to a sizable box. A nice gentleman stopped his car and asked if I needed help. I replied that I could get it, thanks, but he got out of the car, lifted the box effortlessly and put it in the trunk. That’s a bit heavy, he said sweetly. I couldn’t thank him enough for his kindness and told him so. But clearly, he just wanted to do a nice thing and he did. It put me in the best mood for the rest of the day and I am still trying to pass that on.
