In early 2020, we watched as the world we knew halted abruptly. It was as if the entire world was suddenly holding their breath without any inclination as when they would be able to release it. The world became suffocated. People were asphyxiated by COVID-19 in their lungs, by the complete isolation in their homes, by depleted income, and by loneliness. The Coronavirus not only attacked the body physically but mentally and emotionally. One group that experienced the crippling effects of the global pandemic were those in nursing homes.

Inherently, senior living centers can be lonely. The loneliness many residents feel in nursing homes was exponentially exacerbated amid the ongoing global pandemic. Families of residents communicated through glass windows or glitchy computer screens. The actual presence and touch of loved ones faded into memories. Though, even in the most precarious situations, there is always a silver lining.

For Cedarhurst Senior Living Center in Bloomington, silver linings could be found in the thoughts and acts of kindness shown to the residents. Although strict isolation was enforced on nursing homes, that did not stop people from finding other ways to make them feel a little less lonely. One of these groups of people included Indiana University’s Campus Cursive organization. Campus Cursive writes letters to people who really need to hear thoughtful words.

So, writing to the elderly community during this isolating time was very appropriate. I talked to three residents, each of whom strolled out of the door into the lobby with faces full of glee. They had the letters in their hands that students within Campus Cursive wrote to them. The letters read of reinforcement and togetherness, letting them know they are not alone. The residents’ faces lit up looking at the words which emphasized how much it meant that people within the community were thinking of them.

We are so busy with our own daily lives that we sometimes forget to stop and chat with someone who may need company. The chats I had with the residents opened me eyes to the uniqueness in all the stories of their lives.

One of the residents, Russell Hanson, is an Emeritus Professor at IU where he taught in the political science department. His wife also worked at the university as an advisor for incoming freshmen. Hanson opened up about his past and how he got to where he is today.

“When my wife and I divorced, I began to drink too heavily and that induced the dementia. And I went to a neurologist in Edina, Minnesota and he said, you’ve got dementia,” Hanson said. “So, you know you don’t want that. So, you have to say how can I get rid of it and the answer is to come to a place like this.”

Cedarhurst Bloomington does not allow residents to drink which Hanson has said is a “purifying experience.”

If people just took a little time out of their days, whether through a physical visitation or a letter, you could meet some of the most fascinating and resilient individuals. Not only do you learn something unique about a person you wouldn’t usually surround yourself with, but you can bring so much joy to their day, and in turn, so can they.