Making dreams come true
In December 2007, the Community Foundation made a modest grant to Wesleyan Village for “Second Wind Dreams.” The dream fulfillment project served the elderly with limited resources. Today, I received their grant report and I wanted to share some of the dreams you made come true in 2008. (Names have been changed.)
Mary’s dream was returning to her home-based church in Lorain. Due to ill health and lack of family members, Mary had not returned to her church in almost 10 years. At church, the deacon recognized Mary for being a longtime member and Mary was able to visit with old friends that she hadn’t seen for years. As a treat, the aides took Mary out to lunch after Sunday services.
Two couples renewed their vows and celebrated their wedding anniversaries. One couple renewed their vows after 57 years and another couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Family and other residents were treated to music and refreshments.
25 residents wanted to see a Cleveland Indians game at Progressive Field. Life Care Ambulance provided the transportation, and the residents enjoyed the fresh air, hot dogs and the sounds of the stadium (even though the Indians lost).
Several residents wanted to see their adult children again, so transportation was arranged for family visits.
Leslie remembered watching the boats on Lake Erie with her late husband; and Irene just wanted to go out to a park again. Volunteers took Leslie and Irene to Lakeview Park and then out for ice cream.
It was mostly simple ordinary enjoyment of the daily freedom and acts of independence we overlook in our busy lives that the elderly longed to do. (3 persons always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon ride so they did; and landed many miles away!) No one asked for big sums of money, an outrageous toy or even for good health again. Each person dreamed of time with someone they loved, old friends, another walk in the park or ballgame, fresh air and sounds of life. In this current economic crisis, they reminded us again of what matters in life and what joys we still have every day. So we bought some gas, ice cream, refreshments and a few baseball tickets. I think those little things did more for these seniors’ health and wellbeing than a bagful of medications. In total, 39 dreams were granted last year; thanks to your generosity and compassion.
A little known fact: many years ago, teenage members of our Youth Fund volunteered with the Second Winds Dreams project. The teenagers said it was the most meaningful volunteer experience they ever had. The Youth Fund shared this experience with hundreds of other teenagers in an annual youth conference in Michigan, and their project was voted The Best Youth Fund Project. Kids of all ages surprise me every day.
Please go out and play today; or go wash your car in the rain!
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