More than 20 floats and metro area bands rolled down the streets at Mississippi State Hospital last week, kicking off the 2022 Christmas season for patients and residents.
The theme for this year’s parade was “Christmas In…!” Hospital staff and patients filled in the blanks with a wide variety of award-winning themes, including: Christmas in Vegas, Under the Sea, Christmas in Whoville, Christmas on the Ranch, and many more fun ideas!
The marching bands were back this year and we were delighted to host amazing bands from Jim Hill High School, Canton High School, Raymond ROTC, Bailey APAC Middle School, Brinkley Middle School, and Northwest Jackson Middle School.
Mr. Dwight Owens, author of the book Still Standing, served as our Grand Marshal, smiling, waving, and cruising down the streets in his customized pickup truck. After the parade, Mr. Owens and his special guest, Ms. Ishaunna Gully-Bettis, visited several buildings and shared their stories of hope and inspiration with patients.
Mr. Owens shared his story of being hit by a drunk driver just as his professional adult life was unfolding the way he’d planned and how the injuries that resulted from that accident caused him to spend nearly a year in the hospital fighting for his life. Owens shared how his journey has, “turned his pain into purpose and his wounds into wisdom.”
Ms. Gully-Bettis shared how drastically her life changed as a result of domestic violence and how hope led her to use her experiences to become an inspiration for others by sharing her message of taking a stand by knowing your worth and realizing that love does not hurt. Their stories resonated with patients and offered hope during trying times.
The Christmas season continues throughout the month of December as volunteer groups visit with patients and residents at Mississippi State Hospital to celebrate and share the Christmas Spirit.
Call the MSH Public Relations office at (601) 351-8018 for more information.