Nancy James is helped back to the La Follette Health and Rehab Center by Ashley Sharp.  James was able to see her son Joe when he drove by in Thursday’s parade.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The rain held off, but the tears couldn’t be stopped on nursing home hill.  On Thursday afternoon, 47 vehicles filled with friends, family and loved ones ranging from LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield City Humvee to classic cars to a couple, their baby, dog and stroller wound up the steep, curvy driveway and paraded past about 35 or so residents, along with their healthcare professionals, while others watched through windows of the La Follette Health and Rehabilitation Center.  See Charlie Hutson’s photo gallery HERE.

“Our residents obviously want to see their family members, and this is as close as we could get them,” said Mark Cain, La Follette Medical Center CEO.  Under a sky of sun and clouds, Cain watched as staff members fanned, held umbrellas and pointed out loved ones for residents.  “This staff is such a loving and amazing group of people.  I am truly impressed with their compassion for people who cannot do for themselves,” Cain said.

Nancy James sits in the shade under the umbrella provided by Ashley Sharp.  Sharp is a patient account specialist with La Follette Medical Center.

With the restricting of visitors due to COVID-19 concerns, Thursday’s “Family and Community Parade” was a wonderful opportunity for family members and residents alike.  Nancy James was one of those residents who  enjoyed the parade.  Though she was a little disappointed that her son, Joe, didn’t drive his classic Trans Am.  “He was afraid it might rain and didn’t want to get it out,” said Nancy.

It’d been quite some time since Nancy had had a chance to see her son Joe in person.  Yesterday’s reunion, though distanced, was the next best thing.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/28/2020-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

 

 

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