Editor’s note: We’ve been trying to bring you some good news each week during our COVID-19 coverage. If you’d like to thank someone for something they did for you or someone else, or reflect on something that makes you proud or happy or gives you peace during this time, please email a Bright Spot to [email protected].
“I’d love to thank the sweet lady at the Brown County Post Office. I do not know her name, but last week I mailed 20 packages to my students. I’m a resident here in Brown County, but work in Martinsville. I had spent a few hours filling padded envelopes with goodies for my students. It was going to cost just under $5 for each package. My husband took the packages to the post office and told her there was no way he was going to not mail them since I hadn’t seen my kids since March 13th and spent the time to brighten their day. She ran all the items through and then quickly ran and covered the cost herself. When my husband thanked her, still in shock of what had happened, and asked why she did that, she simply said, ‘Sometimes teachers need a break, too.’ This brought tears to my eyes and truly made my day. … It was most definitely a bright spot for me and my students. I am planning to pay it forward when the time arises.”
— Cheyenne Mappes
“During this pandemic I have managed to keep walking, something I started last November! Most days I walk over 20,000 steps a day! Many of those days I’ve walked them in my apartment! When weather is good I walk in town and Salt Creek Trail! I’ve recently been walking the high school parking lot. From one side to the other is about 6,000 steps. I walk the length of it in every parking lane. I’m sure people that see me think I’m crazy! Since November 19, 2019, I not only got up and moved, but started eating healthy, and have managed to lose 47 pounds as of this date!”
— Doris Kinnaird
“St. Vincent de Paul is thrilled to report that we have been funded for our proposal to install a walk-in cooler/freezer at the pantry so that we may accept more bulk frozen foods and fresh vegetables for the county. A $20,000 grant from the Brown County Community Foundation and a $5,000 grant from Hoosier Hills Food Bank will ensure we can make this happen. We are happy to celebrate this incredible BRIGHT SPOT. A shout-out to Jonathan Bolte who has taken the lead on this project!
— Shirley Boardman, secretary, St. Vincent de Paul Brown County
“The Brown County Art Gallery now has online shopping where you can see and buy original art. The coronavirus prompted the gallery to make online sales available — a positive side effect of the pandemic!”
— Douglas Runyan
“Often overlooked but extremely necessary to the recovery of those affected by COVID-19, respiratory therapists stand alongside nurses and doctors on the front lines. They are specialized healthcare professionals in heart and lung diseases. Most people only come face to face with a respiratory therapist when they need a breathing treatment in the hospital due to lung infections, but they are there when you take your first breath to when you take your last. Therapists operate the tiny CPAP machines used to help underdeveloped lungs in premature babies. They operate the ventilator that keeps you breathing when your body just can’t do it on its own. They provide oxygen as well as support when the patient needs it the most. Respiratory therapists are there even if you don’t see them. They are unsung everyday heroes. Thank a respiratory therapist if your life was ever on the line. They are an integral part of any healthcare team. So, thank you to the Respiratory Therapy Department at Columbus Regional Health.”
— Elizabeth Rund
“I am a previous Brown County resident, raised there and visit my momma, Teresa Lowhorn, there often. I want to praise her! She works at Brown County Health and Living. She has been there nearly 30 years total. During this time I have watched as she gives herself 100 percent every day to those most vulnerable (as she is herself), pulling several 12-hour shifts a week, working five days a week. It has been so hard on her, physically and emotionally, the weight she feels to keep everyone there safe. She truly is one of a kind and cares for her residents as if they were her family. I’ve heard her cry many times because she is worried about the residents. The stress of the pandemic is enough to make anyone in her field of work crumble, but she doesn’t. I don’t know how she keep going, but she does, working those 12-hour shifts, sometimes not even getting a break, wearing an N95 mask the entire time. I know the residents love her as well. This goes for everyone working there — they are thanked and appreciated so much!”
— Jen Hayes
“I guess I didn’t even realize we had a way to provide submissions for consideration. That we do is a Bright Spot indeed.”
— Christie Fishel
