GATESVILLE, TX — We all we're quarantining inside for some time because of the Covid-19 pandemic, now imagine still being stuck inside since March.
The residents at Hillside Medical Lodge have been dealing with exactly that, stuck inside and unable to have visitors face to face.
Considered high risk, these men and women have tried to adapt to the new lifestyle but recentlyasked for pen pals.
"We're getting kinda used to it now, it's been quite an experience I've never had like this before," resident, Sam, said.
Little did they know, letters and presents would come flooding in.
"Well it shows me that there were some people out there, that care about other people especially during these times of crisis that we're having," Sam said.
The presents have included, snacks, card games, crossword and Sudoku puzzles and even drawings.
Mary loves to talk about God and cooking, her letters have been filled with just that and have only one request for those who have written her already.
"I just wish that she'd write me another one," Mary said, "It's just wonderful to be apart of this world. Even though the pandemic is going on."
Sam and Maryann are feeling the love for sure, and Larry is also happy to be receiving pen pals from around the world.
"This is the first time I ever got mail in my life all I ever got was bills from the bills collector," Larry said.
Letters from Mexico, Italy and beyond are writing just to say hi. Many of the residents like Sam, Maryann and Larry don't have a family to spend their days with and these letters are surely making them feel like home.
So far Hillside Medical Lodge has received more than 22 thousand letters. Of course, they are planning on responding to them all but it's going to take a while.
They also ask to share the love, call your local nursing home and see if you can send a letter or gift to those residents as well.
