Locals hospital parade lifts spirits of loved ones
Bailey Milender drove, while Payton and Turner Milender displayed signs for their great grandfather as part of a morale parade April 14 around the Mineral Community Hospital. (Amy Quinlivan/Mineral Independent)
It was short but very sweet, and full of honking, waving, and smiling loved ones.
The cheerful parade that passed by the Mineral Community Hospital Tuesday, April 14 to lift the spirits of patients, staff, and nursing home residents.
A community notice inviting others on Facebook explained, “To bring some entertainment to our residents while continuing to flatten the curve!”
The thoughtful event was generated by Laurel Haskins and Alex Conrow who both work at the hospital. Superior resident Christina Doyle was also enlisted to help coordinate the parade lineup that started at the elementary school parking lot.
Doyle noted, “It was mainly for the long-term care residents, some families of the residents participated too.”
One of the cars in the lineup was full of kids from the Milender family of Superior. Big sister Bailey drove, while Payton and Turner each held up special homemade signs displaying their love for their Grandpa Kermit.
Their mom, Kami Milender, explained that on a weekly basis their family would regularly visit with Kermit Ott, her grandfather who is 85. Ott has been residing at the nursing home since January.
Residents’ window panes still had Easter messages and decorations on them, while guests were allowed to visit from a distance outside as the parade passed by.
Depending on how long social distancing measures continue and self-quarantines last, Doyle mentioned, “I was thinking it would be fun to do another one. With more people and then have the parade drive down Fourth Street.”
Community members are encouraged to keep an eye out on Facebook for more social distance friendly gatherings and events to come.