Motorcyclists revved their engines and zoomed around the building as residents at The Heights of Tyler nursing home watched from their windows to have some entertainment during their isolation.
On Friday, various local motorcycle groups came to show support for the 105 elderly residents who have been stuck inside for weeks because of the coronavirus.
Sabrina Wrinkle, The Heights of Tyler activity director and certified nursing assistant, organized the biker groups to come out and ride around to give the residents something to see outside.
“I hope they feel happy,” Wrinkle said. “Some of them are depressed because they can’t see their families.”
John Bradberry, of Arp, with the Association of Military Veterans and the East Texas Patriot Guard Riders, was one of the riders who came out to show residents some of the outside world.
“We hope that it will raise their spirits,” he said. “We’re all feeling a little stir crazy just like everyone else. We’re just here for them. We’re glad to do it.”
The Association of Military Veterans is a group of both veterans and active duty members of all branches of the U.S. military that rides motorcycles, horses, cars and pickup trucks. Patriot Guard Riders is a group of veterans who ride during the processionals for deceased military service members.
Residents have been using FaceTime and writing letters in order to speak with their families, Wrinkle said.
“It’s not the same as being able to see them face to face,” she said.
Not seeing family members has been especially difficult during the Easter season.
“I just want the residents to be happy and spread some cheer,” she said.
