KILLEEN, TX — Central Texans have had to adjust to social distancing guidelines in many ways. Newly weds are saying, "I do's", virtually or postponing their big days all together.
Baby showers are certainly no exception, but one Killeen couple, now new parents, got an unexpected surprise on Wednesday.
Nearly two dozen cars lined the street right in front of Tiana and Martavius Simmons' house. The sounds of honking could be heard for blocks, and there was no shortage of hand-waving from car windows.
Having just left the hospital with their newborn, this kind of traffic was not expected.
"Very overwhelming. I really don't know what to say right now," Martavius said.
Family members and church friends banded together to throw the new parents a drive-by baby shower.
The Simmon's scheduled their baby shower for this month, but due to the outbreak, they were forced to cancel plans with friends and family.
"I was really frustrated and sad that all this was going on and he [the baby] was coming at this time," Tiana said.
Loved one's weren't allowed to be at the hospital to welcome the new baby either. But, family-friend Gwendolyn Tyler wasn't going to let the pandemic stop the celebration
"We thought it would be a good idea to cheer her up, have a little parade for her and drop of gifts. Even though the coronavirus has kept us from the hospital, we still thought about her, and we want to honor her and her husband," Tyler said.
Simmon's mother, Lynette Perry said it's times like this when you really have to think outside the box.
"It is different. We have to do things differently. Be creative in what we do. We just have to accept it and do what we can how we can," she said.
More importantly, spread a little kindness and positivity.
"It's just a tough time for people in hospitals. People are dying by themselves, and I just thought it'd be a good idea to give a little encouragement," Tyler said.
And show people what happens when we all come together for one another.
