Grandma, 78, Is the Star of Nursing Home Door Decorating Contest After Granddaughter Works Some Magic (Exclusive)
Connie Miller has always been the “fun grandma”
Jennifer Miller
Kelsie Cloak and her grandmother Connie MillerWhen Connie Miller learned that her nursing home would be hosting a door decorating competition, she jumped at the opportunity to participate
After brainstorming ideas she called her granddaughter, Kelsie Cloak, who has a knack for crafting, to help bring her vision to life
The family completed the project after two-and-a-half hours: a picture of Miller's face printed onto a drawing of a woman dancing with a candy cane
Cloak posted videos of the process on TikTok, and quickly noticed them go viral, amassing more than 700,000 views and hundreds of comments
Connie Miller has always been the “fun grandma.” So, when the 78-year-old, who resides in Edgewood Heights, Pa., learned that her nursing home would be hosting a door decorating competition, she jumped at the opportunity to participate.
With the help of one of her daughters, Miller browsed online and eventually came up with a fun idea. That’s when she called on her granddaughter, Kelsie Cloak, who has a knack for crafting, to help bring her vision to life.
"I already had all the supplies needed because I have a side business painting banners and other things," Cloak, 27, tells PEOPLE. "So I went to my craft room, packed up everything, and me, my mom, and my two little girls headed to the nursing home."
"My mom had us stop at Dollar General to grab some tinsel for the scarf to add a little pop!" she adds. "Altogether, we were there for about five hours, but that also included us having lunch and hanging out."
Jennifer Miller
Kelsie Cloak and her grandmother Connie Miller decorating her doorAfter about two-and-a-half hours of actual work, the family finally completed the project: a picture of Miller's face printed onto a drawing of a woman dancing with a candy cane. They paid extra attention to small details, including using cotton balls and jewels on the Santa hat and stockings, and a wreath for the scarf.
"North Pole Dancer, Connie Lou Who," the banner read in bold red paint. Upon seeing the finished result, Cloak says her grandma’s reaction was "priceless."
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Jennifer Miller
Closeup photo of Connie Miller's door"She was laughing so hard, which made it even better! She made the comment about how she didn’t like that her picture didn’t have makeup," Cloak says. "So I added some fake eyelashes to the photo to make her feel better!"
"The people in the nursing home and the workers absolutely loved her door and got a huge laugh!" she adds.
Jennifer Miller
Kelsie Cloak and her grandmother Connie Miller in front of the doorWhile crafting together, Cloak, who also works as a registered nurse in the operating room, decided to film a few videos of her family’s day as a fun memory to look back on. She posted the videos to TikTok, and quickly noticed them go viral, amassing more than 700,000 views and hundreds of comments.
"Almost every single comment was positive, and everyone was rooting for grandma!" Cloak says. "My family has sat around and just read the comments and cried laughing at how funny some of them are! I love that I got to share my grandma’s funny personality with the world!"
"I have a very close relationship with my grandma," she adds. "I could tell her absolutely anything, and she always listens and gives the best advice. She always makes everyone laugh and smile!"
On Dec. 17, Cloak informed PEOPLE that the results were in for the competition, and that her grandmother had won first place!
"My grandma used to work at the nursing home where she resides. She was the first nursing administrator when they opened the facility! The building holds a special place in her heart, and it’s good to know that she feels 'at home' there. I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful grandma," Cloak shares.
"I hope people can see that it means a lot to your grandparents when you visit them and do fun things with them," she adds. "We didn’t tell my grandma we were coming that day, and the pure joy on her face when we walked in said it all! It’s all about the little moments, and I’m so happy we get to spend so much time with her."
Read the original article on People
