Letter to the editor: Any day is a good day for a parade

(Editor’s note: scroll down to see photos from the parade.)

To the editor:

There’s something about a parade on a beautiful day that brings joy to everyone along its path. It doesn’t have to be a holiday; it just has to be a time set aside. And once the parade participants gather, the excitement and the sense of community grow.

So it was on Thursday, May 14,  when more than 20 cars lined up along the side of Sandy Pond Road with balloons, signs, banners, flags, horns, and cow bells. Tucker Smith, part of the First Parish Church’s Community Engagement Task Force that was formed to help during the Covid-19 crisis, conceived a plan to bring cheer to seniors and caregivers at two local senior residences, and their activity directors enthusiastically agreed to the plan.

We went first to The Commons, where we kept in our bumper-to-bumper lineup and wove our way around circles, between rows of houses, up and down hills, and back around again. Residents and caregivers, all masked, basked in the sunlight and waved. Smiles and tears were in their eyes. Joy and gratitude were both given and received by everyone. I wondered how long it had been since there had been a day warm enough for the residents to spend time outside. Everyone applauded the caravan, the honking horns, and the music. Any day is a good day for a parade.

From The Commons, the parade made its way west on Rte. 2 to Newbury Court in Concord. As we traveled along our route, cars honked and waved at us. A fire truck sounded its siren, a police officer and others waved. Everyone enjoys a parade. As we circled through Newbury Court, including Rivercrest and The Gardens, the residents and the staff were delighted with the many expressions of caring, love and appreciation that the band of colorfully masked Lincolnites delivered to their doorways. Our signs conveyed our messages: “Love,” “We Are In This Together,” “Lincoln Strong,”” Love Thy Neighbor,” “Hugs And Kisses,” “Caregivers Rock,” and “Keep Calm And Carry On.”

We were not celebrating a holiday; we were celebrating life and community and caring for each other. My eyes filled with tears as I realized the joy that our caravan delivered to unexpecting audiences. It felt like a first step back into reality and into the spirit of community that we crave. The sun and the balloons and even the masks were there to remind all of us that we are one. We are all in this together. The parade could have been for anyone and everyone. And maybe it was.

Sincerely,

Sarah Cannon Holden
Weston Road

Click images below for larger versions and captions: