On Wednesday, June 17 the Making Memories Parade was a huge success thanks to many spirit-filled residents of Mineola. The portable parade was two cars strong and lasted nearly two hours long. Each “float” was adorned with patriotic garland, balloons and an American flag. The first float carried two-title-holder, America’s Sweetheart and Social Butterfly, Sharon Wisnoski (78). Wisnoski grew up on a dairy farm north of Houston and moved to Mineola in 2014. In her spare time, she enjoys scenic car rides in the country looking at cows. But mostly, she loves hugging and loving on everyone she meets throughout town. Along for the ride were two of her caregivers, Jessica Bibby – who from the backseat swiftly and flawlessly called participants ahead of arrival, and myself. The second float, driven by enthusiastic Peggy Hudson, carried the parade’s grand marshals, Jim and Lynette Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan (94) is a World War Two Navy veteran who loves music, movies and all types of civic and social gatherings. His sidekick, soul mate, caregiver and wife of 37 years, Lynette (84) is a native of Mineola. She too loves music, theater, community events and visiting with family and friends alongside her “boyfriend.” Due to COVID-19, these senior social butterflies have taken social-distancing very seriously and, for the most part, have stayed home since early March. As you can imagine, for months they have longed for weekly worship, fellowship and movie going. The isolation really needed to be addressed. But, how? With a spur of the moment idea to create a surprising, safe and social outing, just a few calls were made and within a couple of days the Making Memories Parade became the solution. The parade began at 2:15 p.m. at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Riggs. To reveal the surprise event was a large decorated yard sign reading, “Making Memories Parade begins here!” Mr. Riggs held up a “We Love You” sign and waved as the parade began its journey. Next, the staff of Mineola City Hall, police and fire departments lit up official vehicles, and with handmade signs, lined up outside to wave and present gift bags to our seniors. This brought emotional tears of joy to my eyes and excitement in my heart for how every expectation thus far had been exceeded in every way. But, little did I even know, this was just the beginning. Next, Dr. Bankhead and office staff lined up holding signs and waving from their parking lot. Just around the comer staff members at Fresenius Dialysis Center, including Traci Miller (daughter of Ms. Wisnoski), also held handcrafted signs and presented gift bags. The parade then traveled south on N. Johnson St. toward downtown. Along the route we were greeted by Jonnie White and her visiting sister, Cheryl, from San Antonio. Next door, Margaret Crockett held a “We love you” sign and waved as we passed by. At Central Baptist Church, we were warmly greeted by Pastor and Mrs. Chester Burke as we circled the parking lot. Oh, what a crowd of family and friends in front of the Mark McBurnett home, where thrilled grandchildren handed out patriotic pinwheels to each vehicle. Heading south, then west on Hwy. 80, cutting through the lot of Mineola Tire Shop, we were met by owner Jerry Morrow holding a sign and waving. Next, we hit My Credit Union where the staff served cold drinks and warm smiles at the drive through window. The bank staff then alerted our next two stops of our pending arrival. We then traveled back north on Johnson Street and stopped in front of the treasured Select Theater, where Director Mike Holbrook presented the Buchanans with a gift of appreciation for being life-long movie, theater and concert supporters. Next, we were greeted by Mary Hurley and her staff at the library, as they waved and held up signs of endearment. And, at the Methodist Ministries Center, we were warmly greeted by numerous staff members and volunteers. Heading east, circling the parking lot of the Wood County Monitor we were greeted by a photographer and staff who handed out newspapers. Next stop was the John Epps residence, where we briefly chatted and admired their tractor. As the word spread, the parade route grew longer. We then traveled farther east on Hwy. 80, where Sandy Bennett had gathered a crowd of gift-giving well-wishers at Smith Chapel. We also enjoyed a scenic spin through her pasture to see the cows and beautiful pond. Back to town we headed to the residence of Ellen Jackson, along with visitor Jack Jones, sending love and well wishes. The parade then wrapped up at 4 p.m. in the Dairy Queen drive through with ice cream cones for everyone. Again, what started out as a spur of the moment idea for a safe social outing turned out to be a God-led, life time memory for all. Mrs. Buchanan said it was the most fun they’d had in a very long time. The honorees were overwhelmed by everyone’s participation, enthusiasm and ability to keep such a secret. Truly, we witnessed the Spirit of God flow through so many of our residents that day. In the midst of a historic pandemic, what a glorious gift to see how God continues to shower this community with so much love, consideration and heartfelt charity for one another. We are blessed to call Mineola home. And, as a community, may we always celebrate and honor the love of Christ in each other, and especially our seniors.