107-year-old receives her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — One of the oldest people in the state of Tennessee has received her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine inside her assisted living home.

Inside long term care facilities, COVID-19 hasn't just brought illness, it's also brought isolation.

"I miss them," said Nilmah Cook, a resident at Brookdale Goodlettsville. "It’s a little lonesome."

Even with the pandemic, Nilmah, known as Cookie by her friends and family, says she can still find ways to keep her toes tapping. "Oh I do, I love to dance," said Cook.

In pre-pandemic days, you could usually find Cookie cutting a rug at the annual Christmas party. "All I need is just the music and say -- let’s dance -- and I’m ready," she said.

"Ms. Cookie who was your dancing partner?" asked Luka Patterson, Cookie's nurse. "Whoever was handy," Cookie quipped.

While social distancing has eliminated any partners these last few months, dancing a little ditty always brings back 107 years of memories.

"My goodness, I’ve lived a long time," said the centenarian.

Cookie was born in 1914 and says music has always played a starring role in her life. "My dad had music in his blood boy. He was always in motion," she said.

Cookie's dad was the musician in the family as an early member of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. "The symphony and park concerts during the summertime. I had music all around me all the time," said Cook.

Cookie finally had a reason to shimmy with joy Wednesday.

"About 95 percent of our residents will be receiving the second dose of the vaccination," said Kevin Butler, the Executive Director of Brookdale in Goodlettsville.

A second dose means she's only days away from full immunity and, naturally, her dance card is already filling up.

"You gonna dance with me later?" asked Luka, Cookie's nurse. "If you want me to," replies Cookie with a smile.

The Executive Director of Cookie's facility hopes, once everyone is vaccinated, they'll be able to welcome more visitors for all of their residents. "It’s an important step in returning to that sense of normalcy. We’re hoping after this is all said and done after the vaccination process, that we can start increasing family visits per health department regulations," said Butler.