Visitors? Maybe not. But a springtime surprise? Absolutely.

Seniors living in Michigan’s nursing homes haven’t been able to receive visits from friends and family for weeks, but that doesn’t mean they can’t receive a little joy.

Anna’s Kindness volunteers from 9 different Ann Arbor schools delivered a little springtime happiness to the nursing unit residents at The Gilbert Residence long-term care unit. Twenty-four students created personally addressed cards to each of the residents, offering words of encouragement (and huge helping of beautifully drawn springtime flowers).

The reaction from the residents was, you guessed it, tremendous.

“That is just gorgeous,” said Miss Catherine when she saw her card from Forsythe 6th grader Tia Cocciolone. “How sweet.”

“These are great,” said Miss Lydia, who received a card from another Lydia: Community High School freshman Lydia Cocciolone. “I’ve never gotten a card from a person with my name before.”

The only thing better than the card, to Miss Reta, would have been to meet the artist, Slauson 7th grader Elise Braun. Miss Reta wanted to tell Elise in person: “Thank you so much. It’s beautiful.”