After a year of not being able to see all but one of her seven children, Lou Doucette, a 50-year resident of Scarborough and current resident of Piper Shores, received the best surprise ever … the gift of being surrounded by all her children on her 90th birthday.

On the rainy Sunday morning on March 28, Lou’s daughter, a new resident of Higgins Beach, asked the community to rally around her mom. So, many from the community gathered, with pink pom-poms in hand, for a surprise parade for Lou.

The parade was led with sirens and flashing lights by three police cars, driven by Sergeants Thibodeau, Greenleaf and Latkins, and a firetruck from Black Point station. Their presence really got the attention of the neighbors and made the event that much more exciting, Sheila (Doucette) Polkow said. She said Sergeant Steve Thibodeau stated that in these very trying times, it is not often that our first responders get to see how much joy they bring to the community.

Lowe’s of Scarborough, upon hearing of the event wanted to contribute as well, according to Polkow. Three Lowes employees, Branden Kidder and coworkers, Katie and Adam, jumped on the opportunity to work their creative magic, she said, planning for over a month to build one of the largest model birthday cakes — 8 by 6 feet — which was positioned front in center where the parade came to a halt.

This long-awaited get-together brought Lou and the whole family the utmost joy, Polkow said. She said many who attended told her that the celebration touched the hearts of everyone present, and that it was the best thing that has happened in over a year.

“Neighbors mentioned that it brought tears to their eyes to see Lou’s radiating joy as she realized that the procession was in her honor and then discovered that all seven of her children, who traveled afar, were in the parade!” Polkow said.

“After first responders mingled, duty called them back to work and now we felt compelled to pass forward the love and energy we received from them,” she said. “So, with family in tow, off we drove to Piper Shores in a pink flamingo-decorated car. There we found waiting patiently a dozen off Lou’s close Piper Shore friends waving banners and signs, to wish Lou their birthday wishes. In the crowd, we heard Eve Lee yell to us, ‘this is so much better than zooming!’ Nancy, working the PS front desk commented, this is the most excitement and fun happening in over a year!”

Polkow and the rest of Doucette’s family wanted to thank all who helped make the celebration so special. “(Thanks to) the amazing people of Scarborough including our wonderful and loving souls at Higgins Beach and Piper Shores,” Polkow said. “… to the creative and thoughtful employees of Lowes, and to our ever so reliable and steadfast anchors of the parade, our fine law enforcement and fire department.”

She added, “To the first responders, you impact the community more than you know. Your good works and generosity, in giving of yourself, touched a great many. Your presence in our community is needed, your example of service is admired and may we all want to spread the love you so beautifully displayed.

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