“This is why I love Stillwater.”
I was standing on the sidewalk of Main Street, minding my own business on a random Thursday afternoon, when a lady I’ve never met before walked up and said this to me. But I couldn’t help but smile and agree with her.
It was Thursday, June 21st, 2018 and just a few minutes before, downtown Stillwater was flooded with approximately 8,000-10,000 people, according to Rob Hill, City of Stillwater Emergency Management. These citizens were lining Main Street with flags, signs and various noise makers. There were people of all ages, races and beliefs. You can tell from the date, it wasn’t a familiar holiday, so why were so many people there?
Two days before, a post on Facebook started making the rounds within our small community. It told the story of 107-year-old Myda Lewis, a resident of Westhaven Nursing Home whose birthday was June 21st, and how her only birthday wish was to ride in a convertible during a parade. The original flyer, printed by Westhaven management, even proclaimed “we are going to make her wish come true!” Did they ever.
This Facebook post originated from Paul Priegel, Assistant Director of Stillwater Regional Airport and former Stillwater Police Sergeant. He stated he wouldn’t be in town, but that he would love to see the streets lined with people. I’m sure he wasn’t disappointed. That simple post went more viral locally than a post proclaiming the Cowboys won the Big 12 Championship, being shared over 2,200 times in just two days.
I wasn’t sure what to expect as I drove towards downtown before noon. I don’t even know why I went. I didn’t know Myda. I had never heard of her until two days before. I doubt many people had. I just knew I wanted to be there. As I approached the stoplight at 6th and Lewis from the North, I started smiling. I could already see small groups of people crossing the streets ahead of me on 7th and 8th streets. I parked near the post office and walked a block to Main Street and was blown away.
The streets were lined with people — kids with signs, adults with flags, and more. I stayed within a single block area but could see people stretched all the way down to 12th Street, at least. People were friendly, even more than normal for Stillwater. People were laughing and talking with strangers. Generally, people were in a great mood.
I bumped into Jim Scott, City of Stillwater Events and Recreation Manager, and asked him how the city got involved with this event. After a short chuckle, he replied “We had nothing to do with the planning. We heard about it on Facebook. The same way everyone else did. We had a feeling it was going to be a big deal once (channels) four, five and nine got on board.” He seemed to be as surprised as everyone else there at what this simple request had turned into.
Even Pistol Pete made an appearance, but as big a celebrity he is in Stillwater, he wasn’t the big star. Anticipation was fierce as people kept looking down the street to see when this “parade” was going to start. I asked multiple people if they knew Myda, yet no one did. Mostly they all said they just heard about this on Facebook and wanted to be here, the same way I felt.
Suddenly, a police cruiser blocked the intersection at 7th and Main and within a few minutes, the flashing lights of two police motorcycles could be seen blocks away in the opposite direction. Another few minutes later, the crowd around me near the end of the “parade route” began cheering as those motorcycles got close.
After a couple of Payne County Sheriff vehicles cruised by, a gold Mercedes convertible rolled by carrying the guest of honor in the backseat. Along with a two-tone pink umbrella providing a little shade for Myda, there were balloons galore and a large decorated sign that read “Happy Birthday” attached to the back of her chariot. By this time, she was wearing a tiara given to her earlier in the parade route by Denis Abernathy, owner of Denis the Jeweler on 10th and Main. Myda was queen for a day and, honestly, I’ve never seen a 107-year-old woman so happy. Like most of the people in the crowd, I didn’t know Myda, but her smile and overwhelming happiness at the event unfolding in front of her made me happy as well.
Although it seemed like the main event was over, there was actually a parade. Not just a few police cars and Myda – a full parade. Several groups walked down the middle of Main Street carrying signs, banners, balloons, flags, and even a vehicle throwing candy to the kids. KOCO Channel 5 from Oklahoma City brought several of their own vehicles to be part of the celebration. A large semi-truck drove through. Another vehicle carrying a baby horse behind it drove past. Other emergency vehicles followed. It was a spectacle to behold. Matt Fletcher, morning host on KSPI-FM and one of Oklahoma State University’s biggest fans, later described it on Facebook as “the most Stillwater thing I have ever seen. Amazing!”
Yet, it was so simple. This didn’t need to happen. It wasn’t necessary or even expected. It just happened and it happened naturally. Once word of this hit social media, the entire event was put together in less than 48 hours. In that short amount of time, staff at Westhaven had asked a few merchants that lined Main Street to step outside and wave at someone they had never met before. Another person posted info on Facebook. Before long, the City got involved. State news media started paying attention. And the community I call home came together to show a sense of humanity and compassion that generally has seemed to be slipping away over the years. In short, it was a series of miracles that occurred that day and Myda, you might be sick of hearing it by now, but Happy Birthday!
Myda asked for something from her caregivers that she probably thought would never happen. When they flew into action to make it happen, Myda probably didn’t think it would be that big of a deal, but that’s exactly what it was. It was a big deal. Myda also didn’t know how she would touch the hearts of a whole community – and even the state – in one fairly simple and even slightly carefree request, but she did. For one sunny June afternoon in middle America, life stopped briefly for thousands of individuals who came together to be one voice for something so simple – wishing a happy birthday to one of the community’s oldest residents. That was it.
This is why I love Stillwater.
This was so cool! It was so awesome to see the entire community come together to support her dream. She grew up without electricity and now the internet helped her have the dream she wanted… incredible
It was very nice. You should have been there!
People yearn for a chance to be part of something that is positive and not necessarily historical but definitely memorable. This was much better then having them line the streets for her funeral procession.
It was absolutely amazing. People were so happy and friendly. Strangers talking to strangers. I had a smile on my face the rest of the day. I didn’t know her either, but worked my day around it to be there. It was the most amazing experience.