Mother’s Day ‘Wave Parade’ Hosted by Hopkins Place

On the morning of Friday May 9, 2020, a crowd from the community lined up to bring cheer and joy to the residents of Hopkins Place in Sulphur Springs. They did this by parading past in their vehicles, circling the facility, honking, waving and displaying hand-made signs of “We Love You”, “Happy Mother’s Day!” and other wishes for the special day. According to Administrator Rachel Gilbert, “among our 32 residents, almost every one of the women are mothers or grandmothers, and they were all quite excited! Everyone watched the parade from inside their rooms, through the windows. I know all the attention made them feel special! There was a lot of love shown that day!”

Hopkins Place Administrator Rachel Gilbert
Rachel Bramlett, reigning Dairy Festival Queen

Local dignitaries who rode in the parade included Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Rachel Bramlett and Ms. Hopkins County Senior Vendor Wright. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department vehicles flashed their lights, and several cars and trucks were decorated festively with balloons and banners. A group of four youth on horseback circled the building twice, and a Shetland pony appeared in the parade too. Many family members who have not been able to visit their loved ones inside the building during the COVID-19 pandemic took the opportunity to show off the kids, grandkids and family pets while driving past.

Vender Wright remarked ‘it doesn’t have to take a lot to show you care! Just reach out in some way with a smile or a song, while keeping your social distance, that’s a simple way of showing love and kindness to somebody who needs it. And it’s good for us too, when we give to others!”

Hopkins Place Housekeeping Director Taylor Clark and Maintenance Director Eric Keaton

Author: Enola Gay

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