The United Ways of Maine have a way for you to send words of encouragement to healthcare workers online.

I can't imagine what healthcare workers are dealing with on a daily basis. And, I guess, I don't really want to imagine it. We're all doing everything we can to stay away from the virus and they're running headlong into it. Stepping up to offer whatever help they can with an illness that's still somewhat of an unknown. Some of them are staying away from their own families to protect them from possibly catching COVID.

So think about it. They've just completed testing on a long line of nervous people, or they've held the cellphone up while a family says goodbye to a loved one they're not allowed to visit. They're tired. Scared. Frustrated that they can't get ahead of this sickness. Missing their own families and feeling alone.

A coworker tells them to go to this site through the United Way and check out the cards. They start reading words of encouragement and thanks. Feeling those virtual hugs from residents who appreciate everything they're doing. And suddenly, the tears on their faces are from joy, instead of pain. Re-energized, they go back to work, ready to help more people who are also feeling alone and scared.

It's a small thing we can all do to help these heroes make it through another day. On the United Ways of Maine website, you can choose the picture to include with your card. If you don't know what to say, the site offers suggestions. Or you can upload your own image and write your own words. Maybe your child could draw a picture of a doctor and nurse, you could take a picture and upload it. I'm sure that would bring a smile.

Create your own card, through the Caregiver Card Campaign here. God bless the frontline workers. We appreciate you.

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