(Seguin) – Even the masks could not hide the big smiles of Seguin nursing home residents and their superhero healthcare workers who were saluted Wednesday with their very own community parade.
The parade was part of a local effort to celebrate Segun’s seven local nursing homes and assisted living facilities who continue to operate under strict quarantine measures. While restrictions for other operations are being lifted, the safety measures for nursing homes remain tight as healthcare workers work around the clock during this COVID-19 pandemic.
The parade also held in observance of National Nursing Home Week welcomed well over two dozen parade entries. The first stop on the route was Hacienda Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation on North King Street. Patients were safely social distanced in their chairs along the front and back sides of the facility.
Star Sutton, the activity director at Hacienda Oaks, says to see her residents cheering and waving signs and pom poms made for an incredible day.
“I am so glad we live in Seguin and that we all came together for once purpose and to make everybody happy because the residents at the nursing home have been quarantined since the middle of March and no families or nothing. I only do Facetime with families that have an iPhone. Other than that, they are not able to see them so this was something that they needed and I’m so grateful that we have such a great community,” said Sutton.
Misti Abrameit-Guenther, who helped coordinate the event, says the vision she had for the morning parade was rolled out perfectly.
“It was an amazing morning. The Seguin community rallied and brought so many smiles to so many different people, residents, staff, our community just watched along the street and honked in awe of all the good work that was done and my heart is just smiling from all of the good things that have been said and how much joy it brought,” said Guenther.
Sutton says it’s because of caring individuals like Guenther who give nursing home employees the chance to reboot and work even harder for this special group of residents.
“The turnout was wonderful. I mean everybody just came together and Misti, she’s the bomb! A lot of people are really superheroes and she just does so much and she thinks about so many people, not just her or the Relay for Life. She thinks about everybody. I just love her,” said Sutton.
As for the participation, Guenther says she cannot even begin to express her sincere appreciation to all those who took part. Those participating in the parade included such groups as elected officials, businesses, and school groups. She says even family members of the some of the nursing home residents came out to also join in on the celebration with hopes of finally seeing their loved ones.
“More than anything, I just can’t thank all of our officials enough that came and allowed – I mean we had such a good presence from our Seguin PD, our sheriff’s department, our fire department. They came out and really supported the cause and made sure that we were safe getting everywhere and made sure we got to every facility and so I can’t thank all of those people enough for coming and participating,” said Guenther.
Prior to the parade’s arrival, residents and staff were treated to live music by Jay Pfannstiel who performed in the back of a pickup truck. Pfannstiel was also among the coordinators for the event. Many of those lucky enough to live or work along the parade route also noted on social media that the event served as a beacon of hope and as a sign of resilience for the rest of the community as it pushes its way toward healing. 