Christian Homes ‘Tour of Gratitude’ comes to Lincoln
Event kicks off with a parade, ends with speeches and a group photo

[September 23, 2020]   LINCOLN - A large number of vehicles gathered along Postville Drive at the entrance to the main driveway through Christian Village on Wednesday afternoon. The vehicles and their passengers were there to participate in a parade for the residents. It was an excellent day for it and there were several residents who were able to be outside along the parade route, anxious for shout outs from their friends and loved ones driving by.

The parade began at 3 p.m. with grand marshal Harold Krusemark leading the way in a special golf cart driven by CV staff member Julie King. Behind Krusemark, the vehicles began to slowly traverse the long driveway that ended with a look around in front of the Grace Point Rehab to Home Center.

It was a great parade that offered loved ones an opportunity to see the residents with no fear of coronavirus. For some of the residents, seeing loved ones has been very limited for the last several months, so a chance to speak, wave and smile at the people who mean so much to them was very special.

The parade was part of celebration at the village hosted by the Christian Homes executive staff.

At the end of the parade, there were speeches from members of those staff starting with Ray Dickison, Chief Operating Officer.

Dickison welcomed everyone who was there, mostly residents and staff who were relaxing under the shade of a nearby tree. Dickison shared that he was there with other members of the Christian Homes executive team as part of the “Tour of Gratitude.”

He said that throughout the month of September members of the Christian Homes executive staff have been visiting the many Christian Home locations to show their appreciation to the staff who have worked so hard to care for and protect the residents during this very trying time. He also thanked the residents who have worked well with the staff and have made the necessary changes in their life in order to protect themselves and others.

He noted that in Lincoln, the village had only one case of COVID-19, which he felt was remarkable. He also mentioned that in other areas the facilities have seen more of the impact of the deadly virus, and that lives had been lost. He said he wanted to remember those folks and think about them too on this day.

He added, “We know it is tough when we have limitations on being able to visit with the ones you love.”

Dickison explained that back in late February, early March Christian Homes had put together a task force to address coronavirus in its communities. He explained that education and equipment had been provided to all the communities.

He added, “We look forward to working along with you all, staying diligent, staying focused and again, we are just so thankful for everything everyone is doing to stay safe.

Next to speak was Jack Bell, the Chief Executive Officer of Christian Homes.

Bell began by making light of a hat he was wearing, saying that he was trying to pull off a look worthy of a Rock Star parade, but he thought that perhaps he hadn’t pulled it off very well.

He said that the goal of being there was to show appreciation to the associations for their dedication to the residents. He also said he wanted to express love to the residents, and assured them that CV was doing all it could to keep them safe.

He said the last six months had been among the hardest he had ever seen, but that “we will get past it.”

Dickison came back to the microphone to say that he also wanted all to remember the mission of the village and Christian Homes. Dickison introduced Keith Ray, Senior Vice President of Mission Integration.

Ray talked about gratitude and said that it was a fundamental part of the Christian faith. He called on guests to later in the day go to the book of Psalms and read what he called “thank you notes.” Ray offered a prayer of appreciation for God’s protection. He prayed a prayer of gratitude for the associates and the residents, and asked God to remove the pandemic from us all.

Dickison also took the opportunity to introduce Karen Larson who is regularly working at the home offices in St. Louis, but will be working in Lincoln the next few weeks.

Dickison brought the day to an end talking about the staff and how they are viewed as heroes in the eyes of many at the Christian Homes. He said that there were gifts that were given to staff, and though not all could be on hand, he wanted to express to those who were present words of appreciation and also a sign specifically for the staff. Dickson, Ray and others then set to work to push red hearts and white letters into the ground that spelled out “Heroes work here.”

There was finally a call for all the staff to gather behind the new signage for a group photo.

With that the celebration event was concluded and residents were accompanied back into their perspective dwellings with assistance from those same staff members.

[Nila Smith]