A heartwarming interaction between a father and son during the COVID-19 outbreak has gone viral (no pun intended). The son, whose father resides in an assisted-living facility, came up with a novel way to visit his dad during the lockdown.
In the now-viral photo, the elderly resident, Bernard Johnson, is pictured sitting in a comfortable recliner by the window of his room as his son, Charlie, sits on a fold-out lawn chair in the yard outside. The pair sit chatting and joking together on the phone, just feet apart and visible to one another through the glass.
Charlie, commenting on the photo’s now-viral status, said, “People probably need it right now. The country’s in disarray a little bit and I think they need a little hope, support.”
Charlie’s father, Bernard, a retired machinist, is 88 years old, lives in his assisted-living facility with five other residents, and wears an oxygen mask full-time to help with breathing difficulties. Bernard’s underlying respiratory condition makes him especially vulnerable to the spreading COVID-19 virus.
Whispering Pines’ Vice President Sharon Compton expressed hope that others would be inspired by Charlie Johnson’s creative approach in the face of the preventative lockdown. The elderly residents of the Anoka, Minnesota, facility may be on lockdown for weeks to come, and the support of their loved ones is more important than ever.
Hamilton’s photo of Charlie and Bernard exemplified the side of the COVID-19 lockdown that should be celebrated: coming together in a crisis. With so many people trying to stay in touch with their loved ones, Charlie’s dedication to visiting his elderly father continues to win hearts around the globe.
Charlie plans more than visits to enrich his father’s life. He plans to hang a bird feeder outside his father’s window in the spring so that Bernard can watch the birds.