Wanted: A Goober for Rent
His Signature Goober face (at about 5 yrs old)36 total reviews
Comment from karenina
Wow, Debi. Your non-fiction story is terrific. Super bummed to hear you've got Covid, kiddo ~~ that was definitely not in the cards for you, I hoped! Despite that, I know you'll do all you should to take care of yourself and I'm thinking of you as you count down the days until this virus scoots on out of your life...
Now, for Goober, and all like him! Yay for you! After spending thirty-odd years working with the elderly as an RN I can attest that more than half the residents never got a single visitor. Much more than that never saw a grandchild of any age -- at any time.
When my daughter was a pre-teen she began coming to work with me and "volunteering" by just sitting and visiting with my patients. Their eyes would light up as soon as she entered their room and she still (at 42 now) recounts the many memories she has of playing cards, doing someone's nails, making a gent a cup of tea, etc etc.
Two of our area "senior nursing facilities" (as they are called now) have programs that encourage routine visits from local school kids to sing, show up in Halloween costumes, or just "drop in" and say hello...
I'm with you. When I see my "grands" whatever is wrong in my world takes a back seat and the sunshine comes out in my world.
Love your story. Love your heart. Love your adorable "Goober" (at any age)--and I am praying for a quick recovery for you!
Karenina
reply by the author on 23-May-2023
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Wow, Debi. Your non-fiction story is terrific. Super bummed to hear you've got Covid, kiddo ~~ that was definitely not in the cards for you, I hoped! Despite that, I know you'll do all you should to take care of yourself and I'm thinking of you as you count down the days until this virus scoots on out of your life...
Now, for Goober, and all like him! Yay for you! After spending thirty-odd years working with the elderly as an RN I can attest that more than half the residents never got a single visitor. Much more than that never saw a grandchild of any age -- at any time.
When my daughter was a pre-teen she began coming to work with me and "volunteering" by just sitting and visiting with my patients. Their eyes would light up as soon as she entered their room and she still (at 42 now) recounts the many memories she has of playing cards, doing someone's nails, making a gent a cup of tea, etc etc.
Two of our area "senior nursing facilities" (as they are called now) have programs that encourage routine visits from local school kids to sing, show up in Halloween costumes, or just "drop in" and say hello...
I'm with you. When I see my "grands" whatever is wrong in my world takes a back seat and the sunshine comes out in my world.
Love your story. Love your heart. Love your adorable "Goober" (at any age)--and I am praying for a quick recovery for you!
Karenina
Comment Written 22-May-2023
reply by the author on 23-May-2023
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Thanks so much Sweetie Pie. It isn't nearly as bad as my first case was. Just enough to feel miserable and want to sleep all the time. It really isn't a lot different than a lupus flare up except the breathing and cough. Thanks for your kind words for the story and what is so cool now that I am getting to know you and others more from doing your poems. I loved hearing your story about your daughter. And I love that you can relate to what I am talking about.
This little emoji always pols up when I say the word 🥴 because I nicknamed the emoji 🥴 . See, I can't write his name without it happening. Doesn't it look a lot like the picture? Anyway, thanks for the kind words for my story.
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My second time around was an entirely different set of symptoms. (Odd, this virus)--- We keep hearing the "emergency " is over...but right now I know of four people in my little apartment complex who have covid...so yikes! I think you just need more visits from Goober... He'll have you feeling better in no time at all!
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is a beautiful story of love for family and grandchildren. I've heard many times that grandchildren bring joy and happiness. My husband and I have not been blessed with grands. My exposure to young children was through teaching.
I enjoyed reading you account of your day. It was so well written I could almost see you. I'm sorry to hear you tested positive for Covid. I pray it is a mild case that doesn't last long. I also hope Goober isn't affected. I wish you the best in the contest.
reply by the author on 23-May-2023
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This is a beautiful story of love for family and grandchildren. I've heard many times that grandchildren bring joy and happiness. My husband and I have not been blessed with grands. My exposure to young children was through teaching.
I enjoyed reading you account of your day. It was so well written I could almost see you. I'm sorry to hear you tested positive for Covid. I pray it is a mild case that doesn't last long. I also hope Goober isn't affected. I wish you the best in the contest.
Comment Written 22-May-2023
reply by the author on 23-May-2023
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Hi Lorraine, and thanks you for such a kind review and comments. I truly believe that whatever brings joy to our life, is what we should spread to others. To give others part of your sunshine is to give a gift of less stress and maybe better health. And when children see and feel the love that they give to others, they feel the reward themselves. It is just a wonderful cycle that God gives us the heart to share .
Comment from LateBloomer
Hi Debi, you've penned a beautiful story of love. Children can put a smile on anyone's face, especially if they are having a difficult or off day. The love of grandchildren is precious, and Goobs is most precious, and handsome young man. Of special note:
--yet so many people live in nursing homes, VA facilities, and even with their families and are still feeling alone.
(This is so true. Many seniors suffer from depression. That's part of the reason why they may be in a room filled with loved ones, but still feel lonely.)
--We were told by the nurses that many never have anyone come to visit them.
(The above is also so true. I saw this first-hand when I use to visit a friend at a nursing home. It took me forever to leave because on my way out, I would stop and say hello to other residents.)
Suggestion - Re:
We hear some say they don't have enough to keep them busy, lack of respect for others, and not enough (one-on-one skills.)
I think everyone could use a Goober for rent, but Goobs belongs to you. He always will, and that is a blessing. An uplifting story. Feel better real soon. Xo. M
reply by the author on 23-May-2023
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Hi Debi, you've penned a beautiful story of love. Children can put a smile on anyone's face, especially if they are having a difficult or off day. The love of grandchildren is precious, and Goobs is most precious, and handsome young man. Of special note:
--yet so many people live in nursing homes, VA facilities, and even with their families and are still feeling alone.
(This is so true. Many seniors suffer from depression. That's part of the reason why they may be in a room filled with loved ones, but still feel lonely.)
--We were told by the nurses that many never have anyone come to visit them.
(The above is also so true. I saw this first-hand when I use to visit a friend at a nursing home. It took me forever to leave because on my way out, I would stop and say hello to other residents.)
Suggestion - Re:
We hear some say they don't have enough to keep them busy, lack of respect for others, and not enough (one-on-one skills.)
I think everyone could use a Goober for rent, but Goobs belongs to you. He always will, and that is a blessing. An uplifting story. Feel better real soon. Xo. M
Comment Written 22-May-2023
reply by the author on 23-May-2023
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Hi Margaret, thanks you for such a kind review and comments. I truly believe that whatever brings joy to our life, is what we should spread to others. To give others part of your sunshine is to give a gift of less stress and maybe better health. And when children see and feel the love that they give to others, they feel the reward themselves. Thanks again Sweetie!
Comment from Teri7
Debi, I am so sorry you have covid. You will be in my prayers my friend. This is a very cute and delightful story for the contest. I think we all need children in our life. We are blessed to have our Greyson, who is 9 years old now. Seems like yesterday he was only 2. Time surely flies. You used very good descriptive words and very neat imagery from the picture of Goober when he was smaller. Best wishes in the contest. love and blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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Debi, I am so sorry you have covid. You will be in my prayers my friend. This is a very cute and delightful story for the contest. I think we all need children in our life. We are blessed to have our Greyson, who is 9 years old now. Seems like yesterday he was only 2. Time surely flies. You used very good descriptive words and very neat imagery from the picture of Goober when he was smaller. Best wishes in the contest. love and blessings, Teri
Comment Written 22-May-2023
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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Teri, I thank you for the awesome review and such kind words for my Goober🥴 story! .. I renamed this little guy so now it looks like ten year later it he has an emoji named after him.
Just nothing more precious than children!
I appreciate it so much! Thank you again, my dear friend.
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Nicely written. Sure hope Goober doesn't get Covid.
Nice story. All too true.
Unfortunately, my grandkids have always lived 600 miles away.
Praying your episode is a mild case and soon gone.
Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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Nicely written. Sure hope Goober doesn't get Covid.
Nice story. All too true.
Unfortunately, my grandkids have always lived 600 miles away.
Praying your episode is a mild case and soon gone.
Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 22-May-2023
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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Hi Wayne, I thank you for the awesome review and such kind words for my Goober🥴 story! .. I am sorry your grandkids are so far away so I am sending you one. When this emoji first came out, I got my picture of 🥴 and compared and even renamed it. So now when I try to type the name G o o b e r, the little yellow guy pops up. Thanks for the well wishes and starting to feel a little better.
Just nothing more precious than children!
I appreciate it so much! Thank you again, my dear friend.
Comment from Wendy G
So lovely that you have Goober to cheer you, and you are right to make the most of it while you can. However I am sure your relationship with them all is such that they will still come to you even when it is no longer "cool" to visit grandmothers. You are right about the loneliness of many older people. It's a major problem. Well written. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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So lovely that you have Goober to cheer you, and you are right to make the most of it while you can. However I am sure your relationship with them all is such that they will still come to you even when it is no longer "cool" to visit grandmothers. You are right about the loneliness of many older people. It's a major problem. Well written. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy
Comment Written 22-May-2023
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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Wendy, I thank you for the awesome review and such kind words for my Goober🥴 story! ..
Just nothing more precious than children!
I appreciate it so much! Thank you again, my dear friend.
Comment from DeboraDyess
Well, THAT'S why you felt so bad when we were texting yesterday! I'm so sorry. That truly bites. Hope it's a mild case and that it goes no further into your people.
I loved this, Debi. I know that joy of having a grand come and lift your heart. Nothing like it in the whole world.
I love your phrase 'social reality'. We've nearly lost that as a society. I agree - kids need to do those things on a regular basis to remember that they are a part of something bigger and important, that their smiles mean the world to some people, and that some people have sacrificed so that they can have their world as it is.
Well done, my friend!
Now there's just one more thing to do -
GET WELL!
Blessings,
Deb
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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Well, THAT'S why you felt so bad when we were texting yesterday! I'm so sorry. That truly bites. Hope it's a mild case and that it goes no further into your people.
I loved this, Debi. I know that joy of having a grand come and lift your heart. Nothing like it in the whole world.
I love your phrase 'social reality'. We've nearly lost that as a society. I agree - kids need to do those things on a regular basis to remember that they are a part of something bigger and important, that their smiles mean the world to some people, and that some people have sacrificed so that they can have their world as it is.
Well done, my friend!
Now there's just one more thing to do -
GET WELL!
Blessings,
Deb
Comment Written 21-May-2023
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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Hi Deb, I thank you for the awesome review and such kind words for my Goober🥴 story! .. (And yes, still recuperating with high fever and feeling pretty rough, so when I am not sleeping I am writing)
Just nothing more precious than children!
I appreciate it so much! Thank you again, my dear friend.
Comment from Faith Williams
What a lovely story, Debi. I once read an article where a nursing home had a daycare open up in one wing. The children would visit, play games, and sing with the elderly residents. The disposition of the residents of the nursing home greatly improved with the addition of the daycare, and several of the children formed attachments with the residents. A win-win for all involved.
Thanks for sharing your story, and best wishes in the contest.
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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What a lovely story, Debi. I once read an article where a nursing home had a daycare open up in one wing. The children would visit, play games, and sing with the elderly residents. The disposition of the residents of the nursing home greatly improved with the addition of the daycare, and several of the children formed attachments with the residents. A win-win for all involved.
Thanks for sharing your story, and best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 21-May-2023
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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I thank you for the awesome review and such kind words for my Goober🥴 story! .. I love your recount of the story of the daycare and nursing home. I wish everyone had this is place!
Just nothing more precious than children!
I appreciate it so much! Thank you again, my dear friend.
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Yes, Debi, I would want to rent one just like your
Goober. What a precious picture. Your contest entry
was well done. You gave readers excellent examples
of how the grans made you feel when you needed a
laugh or hug. Who could feel bad after a visit like that?
The lines about going to the VA were so special for ALL
involved. What memories made for you and yours. I'm
sure the Vets loved and treasured those times. You did
a great job with the contest prompt. An empty house can
be scary, but it can change in a heartbeat or tow.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest, Jan
reply by the author on 21-May-2023
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Yes, Debi, I would want to rent one just like your
Goober. What a precious picture. Your contest entry
was well done. You gave readers excellent examples
of how the grans made you feel when you needed a
laugh or hug. Who could feel bad after a visit like that?
The lines about going to the VA were so special for ALL
involved. What memories made for you and yours. I'm
sure the Vets loved and treasured those times. You did
a great job with the contest prompt. An empty house can
be scary, but it can change in a heartbeat or tow.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest, Jan
Comment Written 21-May-2023
reply by the author on 21-May-2023
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When I write goobe🥴 this pops up. I left the r out to tell you or I would have another emoji on here. That's what I named this little guy. Doesn't it look just like him? Lol. Thanks for the awesome review, words and stars Sweetheart. And for taking the time for me this morning. Been sleeping most of the day and my test late morning was positive. I should have known there was more to that feeling yesterday... Thanks again my dearest of friends
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
Get well, friend. The grandchild did make you feel better; darn covid. But grandchildren do brighten the day; this I know from experience, too. A smile a day keeps the doctor away! You're such a great writer; so glad that you write.
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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Get well, friend. The grandchild did make you feel better; darn covid. But grandchildren do brighten the day; this I know from experience, too. A smile a day keeps the doctor away! You're such a great writer; so glad that you write.
Comment Written 21-May-2023
reply by the author on 26-May-2023
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I thank you for the awesome review and such kind words for my Goober🥴 story! .. you are so incredible sweet. Your friendship has the same affect on me. Just nothing more precious than children and friends!
I appreciate it so much! Thank you again, my dear friend.