A moment months in the making … Escalon resident Stephanie Herrera came home on Friday, Feb. 11 after six months of being hospitalized, battling COVID-19. Her long journey included stints at a couple of rehabilitation facilities as well, and she was discharged on Friday. Her neighborhood, along with a plethora of friends and family, lined Miller Avenue and around the corner on to Stanislaus Street in Escalon as the small caravan arrived from Roseville early Friday afternoon. With a water arch sent over Miller Avenue and her young son Brennan’s third grade class from nearby Dent Elementary in attendance as well, it was a homecoming to remember.

It was a moment, husband Michael admitted, that they weren’t sure they would ever see, as the mother of two literally battled for her life. Awash in happiness, and also admitting to being overwhelmed because she hadn’t been home in six months, Stephanie offered a few words to those attending.

“I thank you, everybody, for your support … it means a lot.”

Responses from the crowd included several “We’re glad you’re home Steph” and “We love you” choruses sent her way, along with a “Welcome home, Mrs. Herrera” cheer in unison from the third graders.

Orange ribbons were tied around trees, fence posts and signs along Escalon-Bellota Road leading into town, as it is Stephanie’s favorite color, and many people also wore bright orange Team Stephanie T-shirts for the welcome home gathering.

Look for the full story in the Feb. 16 issue of The Times.