FHRNC Resident Celebrates 90th Birthday
April 12, 2021
On Sunday, April 11, 2021 a celebratory birthday parade was held at Fauquier Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for resident, Della Ashby. Della celebrated her 90th birthday on April 8, 2021.
Every year, Della’s daughter, Kelly Ashby, throws a big party for her mother with family and friends. Last year was one of the first years in a long time Della and her family were not able to celebrate together. During April of 2020, the Nursing Center was facing strict lock down and visitation restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After enduring months of zero to limited visitation, Kelly decided enough was enough. Around Christmas, Kelly had started planning to orchestrate a parade of cars with Santa Clause for her mother and the residents to see. Unfortunately, due to the brutally cold winter weather and increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the community, the celebration was once again postponed.
Finally, hope was in sight. On March 15, 2021, FHRNC was excited to announce that due to the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases in the area, they were able to resume limited visitation. This came right before Della Ashby’s next birthday – a milestone of 90 years. Kelly once again started planning in preparation of a birthday parade. As the saying goes, ‘third time’s the charm.’ Formal invitations were sent out inviting selected guests to join in a car parade celebration.
On April 11, 2021 cars began lining up in the parking lot of the county building at the bottom of hospital hill. The cars then began their journey up the hill to visit FHRNC. Even a special appearance was made by Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company. All guests were required to stay in their cars and proceeded to parade around the building. Mrs. Della Ashby and other residents were escorted outside where they could sit and watch the parade. The cars drove by Della cheering, honking, and waving.
Della Ashby, 90th Birthday Celebration Parade (Photo Credit: Fauquier Times) | ||