When light seems hard to find, and skies seem darker than usual, it can be hard to feel hopeful. COVID-19 has slowly made its way to our doorstep, and along the way taken our plans and tossed them by the wayside. We fear the future, the unknown. We miss our friends, our jobs, and our routine. As the numbers rise, and each day lasts longer than the one before, hope seems to be further than 6 feet away.

Driving around Canadian, community appears to have disappeared. No dinner at the Cattle Exchange, no coffee with a friend at Brown Bag Roasters, no socializing in the grocery store, and no church gatherings on Sunday. Yet, light shines even brighter in the darkness. The staff at Dairy Queen has shown the power of words and how, even though COVID-19 has wrecked our lives, maybe we can use this disaster to spark a flame. Neon-colored posters thanking teachers, healthcare staff, and the entire community of Canadian are displayed on the Dairy Queen drive-thru glass.

On behalf of the entire Canadian community, thank you. Thank you for reminding us that, although the future is unknown, people are still working, light is still winning, and words continue to make the difference. Good things are happening all around us. Sidewalks are being chalked, masks are being sewn, dogs are being walked, and light is shining brighter than ever. If you can’t find the good news, be the good news. Write a letter to your favorite teacher, your high school best friend, or your grandma. Speak love in your home and to yourself. Be the light, and you will attract the light. Continue shining, Canadian. The sun will rise soon, and our community will be better because of it.

My name is Hannah Hegedus, and I am a junior at Texas Tech University. John Krasinski’s new YouTube series, “Some Good News” inspired me to write about the Good News in my own community.

Do you have some good news to share? Email news@canadianrecord.com with ATTN: Hannah in the subject line.