Cheering up and cheering on

Uplifting messages are at the heart of Omni Reporter. Even when the difficult news hits, there’s a chance to provide a note of hope.

That’s why I have to share the latest episode of actor John Krasinski’s YouTube series, “Some Good News,” which brought a smile to my face. In this third installment, Krasinski thanks the COVID-19 unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, noting the courageous work of all doctors and nurses amid this pandemic. This was a chance to give something back.

Not only did the Beth Israel group get to virtually meet Boston star David “Big Papi” Ortiz and learn that they and their colleagues get four lifetime Red Sox tickets, but they got the thrill of throwing out the first pitch at Fenway, where they had the field all to themselves. And on the Jumbotron, the Red Sox team and city leaders cheered them on.

As I write this, I’m humbled by all the sacrifices being made right now, for all of us, by healthcare workers across the country. Some have not see their families for weeks, while pushing forward on the front lines. It’s a burden unthinkable for many of us.

That’s all the more reason to thank these individuals and help them, whenever we get the chance to do so. They truly are heroes, showing us the meaning of courage and demonstrating what it is to lead. In every neighborhood, there are front line workers — doctors, nurses, EMS, fire, and police — all striving for one common goal: to get through this crisis together, and eventually, enjoy the fun things again, like Saturday night baseball. In Vermont, we have lots of pick up games, and we all remember the hum of the Sox playing in the background at home. Enjoy the sun and the spring warmth that is hitting our decks, beckoning for the boys of summer to play again. The inspiring scene of a full stadium smelling of hot dogs and hearing the cheers from the first-base line — there is nothing like it. And when it comes back, we'll enjoy it like never before.

— Gareth Henderson