Recently, I received a call from world-renown dementia expert, Angelia Brigance. As Executive Director of Harbour Pointe Senior Living in Mukilteo and a friend of mine, Angelia called to enlist my help with one of their residents, “Bernie.”
Angelia went on to share with me about Bernie’s life. In her younger years, Bernie and her husband shared a passion of being ballroom dancers. In the years following, her husband passed away, Bernie suffered a stroke, and sadly, ballroom dancing was just a long-ago memory for her. Yet, as difficult as it was for Bernie to dance due to her stroke, her bucket list was to dance again, and Angelia wanted to make it happen!
Bernie is also a passionate Seahawks fan! She dresses up for game days and decorates her apartment door with Seahawks’ swag! She cheers on the Hawks every single gameday and has been a fan since day one.
Angelia’s idea?
“Suzanne, would it be possible for you to see if you could find a Seahawks Legend to dance with Bernie for her bucket list?”
I was committed to make this happen for her, and as a result, I recruited Seahawks Legend, Alonzo Mitz to dance with Bernie!
Saturday, February 8th, Bernie got her bucket list come true, and thanks to Angelia and Alonzo, I was truly honored to be a part of and witness this event!
Since that day I have wondered how we can help make bucket lists happen for our seniors. Imagine- If you are in the eldercare industry, are you asking those types of questions of the seniors you care for? Making a few phone calls and finding a few resources, I am betting we could create some incredible wishes come true!
As family members, I ask each and every one of you to ask your senior loved one and ask them one simple question: “What’s on your bucket list?” “What is something you have always wanted to do/experience in your life that we can help make happen?”
It is my hope that though Bernie’s and Angelia’s inspiration, that we can find resources as a community to help make these happen!
Get the Kleenex out!! You can watch Bernie and Alonzo’s dance on the video HERE.
