"It's special to know that people I don't even know will take the time"
November 9, 2016 3:22 PM   Subscribe

In Providence, Rhode Island, people blink lights every evening to bid goodnight to patients in a children's hospital. And not just people, but a hotel, night club and library blink their lights too. The tradition goes back to 2010 and was started by cartoonist Steve Brosnihan.
posted by Kattullus (18 comments total) 51 users marked this as a favorite
 
I hope that hospital treats allergies, because I seem to have come down with some. Christ.
posted by DangerIsMyMiddleName at 3:30 PM on November 9, 2016 [3 favorites]


They may have some problems with their ventilation because all kinds of dust keeps drifting into my eyes.
posted by Kattullus at 3:33 PM on November 9, 2016 [1 favorite]


I didn't realize how much I needed right now to see people doing something selfless.
posted by sutt at 3:47 PM on November 9, 2016 [18 favorites]


Aw.
posted by Joe in Australia at 3:50 PM on November 9, 2016 [2 favorites]


That's really touching, especially today. We had our pre-wedding lunch at The Hot Club, so it's nice to see that they're a part.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 3:53 PM on November 9, 2016 [3 favorites]


Why I thought I'd make it past .5 seconds without tearing up, I have no idea.

That was lovely. Thank you.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 4:29 PM on November 9, 2016 [2 favorites]


I had no idea! This is...nicer than I would expect for Providence. Go, PVD!
posted by wenestvedt at 4:36 PM on November 9, 2016 [3 favorites]


What a beautiful, inspirational story, Kattullus. It brought tears to my eyes and caused me to wonder if this kind of event could be done where I live. It takes such a small deed to please people and I thank these folks for thinking of the kids.
posted by Silverstone at 4:51 PM on November 9, 2016 [1 favorite]


I work in a childrens hospital and think this is a wonderful thing. Part of me thinks it would be great to see it spread to other cities, but another part thinks it would be great to see other places come up with their own unique traditions. I'm not sure if the view from my hospital would allow for this. Anyway, this cheered me up on a day when I needed it.
posted by TedW at 4:51 PM on November 9, 2016 [6 favorites]


That was beautiful and made my heart feel better. Thank you.
posted by pointystick at 4:54 PM on November 9, 2016 [1 favorite]


Rare Light.
posted by clavdivs at 5:29 PM on November 9, 2016 [1 favorite]


I needed that today.
posted by COD at 6:01 PM on November 9, 2016 [2 favorites]


My mom, not too long ago, was in a head-on wreck, pickup vs. minivan, not her fault at all. Her foot was not a part of her leg when she was evacuated to Hasbro Women & Infants Hospital.

1) I still have a Mom.

2) She can actually no kidding walk.

3) They had a coral reef aquarium for the kids, and it was huge. It was transient, there is now a new wonder for sick kids and their families to explore.

Hasbro, man. You think you want to hate them, but... I know a guy, here in RI. He designs foam dart guns. He was my landlord for a while. He is a legit genius Hasbro pays to make fake-war seem so much better and fun than actual war. He does his job well.
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:37 PM on November 9, 2016 [10 favorites]


Thanks for that.
posted by chapps at 11:37 PM on November 9, 2016 [1 favorite]


So there is good in the world? I had lost all hope.
posted by greenhornet at 12:03 AM on November 10, 2016 [2 favorites]


I think that just broke my time to tears record.
posted by dowcrag at 1:49 AM on November 10, 2016 [2 favorites]


Got me right in the feels... I'm currently standing in my daughter's room on the 6th floor of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We have a nice view of downtown Philly. The sunrise is intense right now, but at night the city lights are wonderful.

Believe me, the parents appreciate the gesture too.
posted by mbd1mbd1 at 4:15 AM on November 10, 2016 [14 favorites]


I live in PVD and had no idea this went on, but I'm not terribly surprised: great city, great music, great people.
posted by grubby at 11:47 AM on November 10, 2016 [1 favorite]


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