Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2020

COAST NOTE
OUTPOURING of
Car Parade at Seashore Highlands
LOVE
story and photos by Lori Beth Susman
Keeping elders at Seashore Highlands connected to the community and to their families
has been a priority for sta at the Gulfport retirement and assisted living facility since COVID-19 made it necessary to stop all in-person visitations. The restriction of visitation has been di cult not only for elders, but also for family members who miss seeing their loved ones, said Rebecca Anderson, Seashore Highlands executive director.
“Families have stayed in contact through window visits and FaceTiming,” Anderson said, “but not being able to see each
other closely and hug loved ones has
been weighing on the residents. Cora Mitchell, our Life Enrichment assistant, had the amazing idea to have a car parade
drive through on our campus. What a wonderful experience it was.”
The parade, held at the end of April, featured several dozen vehicles brightly decorated with posters, balloons, stu ed animals and more. A bright red re engine from the Gulfport Fire Department led the parade, blasting nostalgic music on speakers, as elders were seated outside in chairs positioned at least 10 feet apart.
“The outpouring of love was overwhelming. Families didn’t want to leave, so they drove by multiple times,” Anderson said.
The Webb family decorated their SUV with colorful signs proclaiming “We Miss You” and “We Love You” and drove in the parade with hopes of seeing matriarch Clara Anne Weaver. Granddaughter
Natalie Webb held her 19-month-old son, Reeves, to the open window while her mother, Tanya Weaver, Clara’s daughter- in-law, did the driving.
Slowing down in front of Weaver, who happily waved to the family from her wheelchair, Natalie showed o little Reeves, who held tight to an American ag. “It was a very sweet experience. We were so happy to see her, and to see all the people,” Natalie Webb said.
When the car parade ended there was not a dry eye on the campus. “It was just so wonderful to see everyone again. I am tremendously proud to be a part of the team at Seashore – always seeking to serve the elders to make sure they are living life to the fullest even when circumstances are challenging,” Anderson said.
12 | June 2020
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