VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

NOT FUNNY

Re: Micheal De Adder’s cartoon in Tuesday’s Chronicle Herald — “Just shoot me.”

Seriously? We are in the middle of mourning the worst mass shooting in Canada. Not only does it demonstrate a lack of class, but it also flies in the face of your claim to be supportive of your community. Not to mention it mocks a historical tragedy. Terrible.

Angela Dwyer, Truro

ACT OF KINDNESS

On Sunday afternoon, I was travelling to Dartmouth with some furniture for my daughter. I pulled my truck off of Hwy 101, at Exit 3 (Mount Uniacke), to allow my wife and daughter to catch up in their vehicle. No emergency, no crisis, no accident, so why is this important?

While I was waiting, a gentleman stopped to see if I was OK. I explained the situation, and assured him I was fine. I thanked him, and he continued on his way. I was unable to get his name, nor even offer him a handshake, due to social distancing.

To the driver of the white Toyota sports car: If you’re reading this, consider your hand well shaken, sir! While some may view this as trivial, your seemingly minor act of kindness was a bright spot in what has otherwise been lock-down lethargy. You are a fine example of Nova Scotia strong!

Ken Mcclean, Kentville

UNSUNG HEROES

Homecare workers come to my home two times a day, seven days a week.

Let me be clear. They do not do dishes. This is what they do:

They give my husband a bed bath. Not an easy task, as he is extremely stiff from Parkinson’s disease.

They clean him if he has a bowel movement overnight.

They empty his catheter bag. They dress him in bed. They put him in a wheelchair using a Hoyer Lift.

They reverse the process in the evening.

If the premier cannot give them the top-up money provided by the federal government, who can he give it to? These unsung heroes deserve our respect and a decent wage.

Theresa Zukauskas, Halifax

WE CAN HELP

As Premier Mcneil and Dr. Strang begin to relax restrictions on the province around the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that they consider long-term care facilities, as well. These folks have been under more stringent regulations than the rest of us and need some reassurance that they have not been forgotten by the government, family and friends.

I understand they are the most vulnerable population and we must protect them. However, dying from isolation is as big a threat as dying from COVID-19. As we are beginning to realize, the health of one’s mind is as important as body health.

It is time to allow volunteers to help. Alleviating some of the stress on staff and residents of long-term care would boost their morale, as ours was by opening parks and trails. Volunteers are no more contagious than staff and perhaps even less so, as we have been isolating at home. We could be outfitted with PPES and carry out some duties, allowing staff to focus on their actual jobs, i.e., dispensing meds, bathing and preparing food for residents. Volunteers could talk to residents and help reassure them that they have not been cast aside and forgotten.

All of our routines have been disrupted; it is only through shared understanding that we are able to help each other. This requires no expertise, only a deep concern for each other.

Premier Mcneil and Dr. Strang, please allow us to help!

Elaine Eye, Wolfville

TOUCHING TRIBUTE

I thoroughly read John Demont’s tribute (“Here are some of COVID-19’S victims. We should mourn them, too,” April 29) to some of those who have passed due to the coronavirus in Northwood.

He shared some nice words about people who had passed in that home recently; very, very touching. It was a nice way to remember them; nice thoughts from the heart. Drew Preston, Greenwich