HANSON — A milestone birthday didn’t get overlooked for a nurse who has given most of her 39th year to fighting a pandemic.
Carolynn Alexander of Hanson celebrated her 40th birthday this month. The busy mom, wife, and nurse of 15 years at a Boston hospital found out just how much affection and appreciation her friends and family have for her even in a time when they couldn’t be together.
Celebrating with friends was not an option so Carolynn’s husband Charlie Alexander along with her girlfriends Erin Petersen, Tanya Frazier and Andrea Cranshaw, all of Hanson, masterminded the “11 days of Carolynn” to honor and celebrate the selfless woman who they described as full of positive energy.
Charlie was in charge of setting up a giant photo each day of Carolynn’s head (at places around town that she frequents) ranging from Marylou’s in Whitman, Modern Barbershop in Hanson, to local schools with connections to her children and family as well as Damien’s in Hanson and Ferry’s Sunoco. These places, which according to her friends are spots that have a connection or meaning to her — was a perfect way to nestle her face into a birthday “party” that expanded throughout Whitman and Hanson.
The group had a private page to post daily pictures along with uniquely, amusing hash tags from Nov. 1- 10 until her Nov. 11 birthday.
Similar to a scavenger hunt — her friends and family would pose and take a photo of them with “Carolynn”
Extra silliness of hats and wigs to add to the laughs involved the gang who clearly enjoyed themselves as they made memories for Alexander. Even the Hanson Warriors youth football team took a photo with her head at the WH sports field.
On Nov. 11 for her 40th birthday the giant signs of Carolynn’s face were brought back to her home to line her driveway along with lawn signs.
The posted cutouts were etched with her favorite quotes, rainbows and unicorns (that accompany her positivity) Carolynn’s reaction was of complete joy and thrill, according to friends.
The birthday merriment for someone who has had little time to celebrate during a pandemic was sweetened with a little creative force and lots of love from all who surround her.