LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (LEX 18) — Hope Alderman describes her home as the type of place people always gather in for big celebrations.
When an electrical shortage resulted in a fire that burned down her house a month before her son’s birthday, she figured they’d host a party elsewhere. However, Governor Andy Beshear’s calls for people to partake in social distancing changed everything. The party was cancelled.
“We were thinking for weeks about what we could do,” said Alderman. “And then we started seeing these all over social media.”
Alderman invited dozens of people to drive-by and wish Carter Keltner a happy 7th birthday.
“I just wanted to remind him he hasn’t been forgotten and make the best of our situation,” said Alderman.
The drive-by was hosted outside the Alderman family home, which is in the process of being rebuilt.
“I told him that we were going to be coming here just to look at the progress on the house,” said Alderman. “I think it turned out pretty well.”
Cars filled the road and neighbors stood on their front lawns to sing happy birthday to Carter. Among them were his teachers and friends.
“That was our special surprise for him because he has been missing his school a lot right now and he loves his teacher.”
As people left, more loved ones showed up, wishing the birthday boy the best on his special day.
“I think it’s really sweet. The community here has been absolutely amazing to us,” said Alderman.
Once everyone was gone, Carter blew the candles on his Nintendo Switch cake and read his birthday cards.
