Everyone has a dream, something they wish they could do for the first time, one more time, or perhaps the last time. Wish of a Lifetime is a non-profit organization that fulfills these dreams for our oldest generations. From taking veterans to see the memorials in their name to providing the opportunity for a 100-year-old to see the ocean for the first time, Wish of a Lifetime aims to foster respect for seniors by helping them, and individuals who hear their stories, to recognize that it’s never too late to realize a dream.
This past June, 90-year-old Wish Recipient and Brookdale resident Lou Weiske took to the skies in a B-24 aircraft, the same model he flew in as he valiantly served our country in World War II. Memories from his service remain bold in his memory, despite his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The fulfillment of this wish allowed Lou to celebrate and honor his service through an afternoon of reliving some of his most salient memories. “It was interesting to fly in a B-24 again,” Lou said following his flight. “I never thought I would get the opportunity.” After Wishes are fulfilled, recipients and family members comment they feel happier, healthier, and more valued by their community. “It was very important to him…even though he flew on a lot of other planes, this was the one he remembered a lot of,” Lou’s wife mentioned following the flight.
Wish of a Lifetime is excited and honored to share Lou’s special story and the stories of many other seniors who have fulfilled lifelong dreams, celebrated passions, and commemorated service through the organization. To learn more, please visit www.seniorwish.org/.