A 103-year-old woman’s last wish: A poignant example of how important it can be to fulfill people’s remaining wishes
103-year-old Mathilde’s wish to visit her childhood home came true, thanks to volunteers who brought her there for a heartfelt garden picnic reunion.
In the mood for a feel-good story? Here’s one from Austria that’s sure to warm your heart.
The Rolling Angels Association is a group dedicated to fulfilling the last wishes of seriously ill people across the country. What the organization has found is that many of these wishes aren’t glamorous or luxurious, but due to health limitations, even simple dreams can be challenging to achieve.
A desire to return to the home of her youth
Take the case of 103-year-old Mathilde, whose wish was to return to the home where she was born. Three “wish-granters” visited the nursing home where Mathilde had been living for years. According to the organization, “Mathilde hadn’t left her room in the nursing home for more than five years.”
That all changed when the volunteers arrived. Accompanied by her sons, the team set out to grant the charming centenarian’s wish. The organization had coordinated with the current occupants of the house, and awaiting Mathilde was a small garden picnic.
A beautiful afternoon shared with family
One story that Mathilde shared, which stood out to those present, was about her time as an actress. She fondly recalled a performance in which she shared the stage with actor, athlete, and physician Gunther Philipp. After a tour of the home and the surrounding town and a quick afternoon nap in the middle, the day came to a close. For all those present, the granting of Mathilde’s final wish will be remembered fondly as they were allowed to share so much history with a person who had seen so much over her life.
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