Now, more than ever, 'choose happiness'

COEUR d’ALENE — Dixie Merriman stood near Seltice Way Friday afternoon with a message on a sign she held high for all to see.

“Share Your Joy. Honk For Us!”

Many did.

As cars and SUVS and trucks passed by on a sunny, 50-degree spring-like day, drivers honked and waved to the group of about 10 residents from North Star Retirement and Assisted Living Community.

Merriman and friends whooped, grinned and waved back. She said it was her first time enjoying the warmth of the sun outdoors in seven months.

“It’s great, I love it,” she said. “I haven’t been outside for so long I’m beginning to grow moss or mold or something.”

This was not a rally opposing government. It was not a demonstration fueled by allegations of inequality. No one was smashing windows or burning buildings. No flags, no guns.

This was a rally of another sort. A nice rally, if you will.

Merriman and her colleagues had a goal to spread good will and raise spirits by smiling, waving and raising signs that read “You are important,” “Sun is Shining We are smiling,” “Stay Strong,” and “Choose Happiness.”

They did exactly that for about 30 minutes.

“North Star is great about this, lifting your spirits,” Merriman said.

Megan Anderson, life enrichment director at North Star, said their theme was “Uplifting Coeur d’Alene.”

She and the group are believers in doing something to serve others, as they find it both rewarding and enriching.

“We have really kind-hearted, loving people,” she said. “They’re just here to spread some joy in the safest way possible right now.”

The world could use some joy and encouragement, “now more than ever,” Anderson said, “so we just wanted to be that light for some random folks of Coeur d’Alene today.”

Dori Brigham was celebrating both her 94th birthday and the chance to spread good will. She held a sign that read, "It's a stellar day."

“That’s what we have to share,” she said.

Brigham was feeling “wonderful” about adding another year to her life and looking forward to more.

“I reverse the number so I’m 49,” she said, laughing.

“She’s just a kid. I’m older than she is,” said 95-year-old Scott Ferington, sitting next to her.

“We’re going for 100. Why not?” Brigham said.

Ferington nodded in agreement.

“Beautiful day,” he said.

Friends AdaMay Foster and Dorthy Morey sat side by side as they talked and waved to passersby.

When Foster was asked why she wanted to be part of this senior demonstration for all things good, she grinned.

“They made us,” she said, laughing.

Seriously, though, Foster could have stayed in her room and rested, but she resolved to be there even if she couldn't walk.

“I can’t use my legs, but I’m doing OK, “ AdaMay said

Morey said she appreciated the attention, the chance to get outside on a sunny day and the chance to share a positive message.

“We want to show the public how great a place this is and how happy we all are to be here,” she said.

Both were adamant the country needs more reasons to be joyous.

“Oh, yeah,” Foster said.

“Absolutely,” Dorothy said.

Shirley Vance held a sign with her left hand that read, “Stay Strong” as she waved with her right.

“We could use a lot of this,” she said.

Would she do it again?

“For sure,” Vance said.