In a day filled with unsettling news and overwhelming emotions, a light-hearted blunder from NPR turned out to be a delightful distraction for many. On a particularly grim Monday, as the country grappled with the aftermath of the tragic events in Las Vegas, NPR’s social media team mistakenly shared an adorable update about a little girl named Ramona on their official Facebook page.
The now-famous post read: “Ramona receives a new toy: Smiles, examines for 20 seconds, discards. Ramona gets a hug: Acquiesces momentarily, squirms to be put down. Ramona sees three cats 30 feet away: Immediately overtaken by shrieking, spasmodic joy that continues after the cats flee for their lives.” It was an unexpectedly charming glimpse into the innocence of childhood, and it quickly captured the hearts of many online.
Even after the post was deleted and an apology was issued for the mix-up—intended for a personal account—the internet couldn’t get enough of Ramona. People began sharing screenshots, sparking a flurry of questions about her identity. Who exactly was this endearing Ramona? Would she ever get a cat? Was she perhaps a cat herself? The curiosity was palpable, and the internet demanded more updates.
As the story circulated, NPR followers began to request regular updates on Ramona’s adventures. Some even offered to donate to the organization in exchange for more heartwarming news about this little girl. Thankfully, NPR responded positively, and soon after, an official story was published featuring an interview (though sadly not with Ramona, who is still too young to talk).
Ramona is actually the one-year-old daughter of NPR editor Samuel Thompson, who inadvertently posted the update instead of sharing it on his personal page. He later expressed his regret, stating, “We typically don’t delete posts, so I aimed to handle it transparently. My role is to promote our valuable work, and I clearly stumbled in that moment.”
Despite his initial embarrassment, Thompson inadvertently provided a much-needed dose of happiness amidst a dark day in our history. Ramona became a symbol of joy and light, reminding us all of the simple pleasures in life.
As for whether Ramona will become a regular feature on NPR’s social media? Thompson hinted, “If people continue to support NPR and it doesn’t interfere with the excellent journalism we provide, we’ll consider it.” So, if you’re a fan of Ramona, don’t forget to pledge your support to NPR; after all, it’s what she would want.
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In summary, NPR’s accidental post about Ramona provided a delightful distraction during a challenging time, uniting internet users in their affection for the little girl. As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s essential to embrace moments of joy, however small.