Coronavirus cases exceed 5800 in the US, 100 deaths
Coronavirus cases exceed 5800 in the United States, death toll now topping 100.
No matter what, there’s nothing like a heart-to-heart with your dad.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic’s dramatic disruptions to daily life, one Minnesota man’s dedication to visiting his father at the assisted living facility where he resides has gone viral in a touching photo shared to Facebook.
Bernard Johnson, 88, moved to Whispering Pine Assisted Living in Akona about six months ago, and his son, Charlie Johnson, has visited every day since, KARE 11 reports.
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As of March 13, Whispering Pines has temporarily banned visitors to protect residents as the outbreak widens in Minnesota – a difficult decision that Charlie told Fox 29 he fully supports.
“I don’t want anybody to get sick, I don’t want him to get sick or the other guys to get sick,” the son said. “If he were to get this, it probably do him.”
Bernard, who was a machinist before retiring, has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart complications and is currently on oxygen, according to his son.
Steadfast in his love for his father, Charlie simply pulled up a chair in the parking lot on the other side of his dad’s window and called him on the phone so the two could continue their daily chats after the new rule took effect, per Fox 29.
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An image of Whispering Pines Assisted Living in Akona, Minn. (Google Maps)
After witnessing the exchange, Whispering Pines Assisted Living employee Sandy Hamilton said she was moved to tears and inspired to snap a photo.
“I broke down in tears when I saw it and I just wanted to share it with everybody else,” the nursing assistant told KARE 11.
After receiving permission from the Johnson family, Hamilton shared the image to Facebook on Sunday, in a post that has since gone viral with over 855,000 shares, 146,000 likes and 20,000 comments to date.
Many users praised the picture as illustrating a “brilliant” idea and “beautiful” moment, one that lifted spirits during these trying times.
Bernard Johnson, 88, moved to Whispering Pine Assisted Living in Akona about six months ago, and his son, Charlie Johnson, has visited every day since. (Sandy Hamilton)
"We reap what we sow. Awesome father – awesome son,” one Facebook commenter said.
“This is love,” another agreed.
“Bless them both. A great bond,” one echoed.
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As for Charlie's take, he said the overnight hype has been a surprise – for all the right reasons.
“People probably need it right now,” he mused. “The country’s in disarray a little bit and I think they need a little hope, support.”
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