By Tom Wagenlander, Vice President and Executive Director, Wish of a Lifetime from AARP
The power of dreaming big is well known. Dreams help to uncover purpose, motivate us in the face of adversity, and encourage us to challenge our limitations. Those we look up to are often some of the biggest dreamers, and their success is often a deeply held desire that is made a reality. But we can all relate to the power of dreams. They give purpose to life.
The path to fulfilling one’s dreams is winding; they can evolve and change, and sometimes life simply gets in the way. When a dream is deferred and denied, we often experience loss and regret that can take a toll on our sense of confidence, purpose, and hope. Yet, some dreams stick with us no matter our life’s journey. They are the dreams and wishes that mean the most to us. What happens when those dreams go unfulfilled? How would it feel to be in your sixth, seventh, or even tenth decade of life, still wishing for that sense of purpose and the hope and joy it creates?
At Wish of a Lifetime, we are on a mission to empower the oldest members of our society to live out their dreams. Nearly three thousand wishes later, we have learned much about dreaming big and fulfilling wishes for older adults.
Why Fulfilling Wishes Matters
Wish of a Lifetime believes that healthy aging is about more than physical wellness. It’s about fostering hope, dignity, and fulfillment at every stage of life. What’s more, these experiences ripple outward, inspiring families, volunteers, and communities to see aging as a time of possibility and optimism. Each wish is as unique as the individual who dreamed it, allowing us to serve beneficiaries exactly how they want to be served.
A Tribute to Family and Country
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Deborah was a trailblazer for women serving in the US armed forces. Raised in a military family, she knew she wanted to follow in her dad’s footsteps. She was an empathetic and caring soldier who demonstrated exceptional compassion and initiative for her fellow comrades. After serving our country, Deborah dreamed of visiting Arlington National Cemetery, visiting her WW2 veteran father’s gravesite, and reflecting on their shared bond and legacy of service. At age 69, her wish became a reality. While in Washington D.C., her experience included an official recognition at the Military Women’s Memorial. Her service, like her father’s, memorialized for all.
Deborah’s story is just a small example of how Wish of a Lifetime makes a profound impact by fulfilling dreams, not just for the recipients but for everyone touched by their journeys.
How You Can Make a Difference
This holiday season, there are many ways to support Wish of a Lifetime’s mission:
Give a Financial Gift: Your donation helps fund wishes for older adults, giving them the opportunity to fulfill lifelong dreams and create lasting memories.
Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s supporting wish logistics or connecting with older adults, your time and care can make an immeasurable impact.
Donate Wyndham Rewards Points: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the official hotel provider of Wish of a Lifetime, helps bring these dreams to life by providing accommodations for wish recipients and their families. Your points can directly contribute to making these experiences possible.
To learn more or make a contribution, visit the Wish of a Lifetime website. If you know an older adult with a wish, you can submit their request here.
Together, let’s create a year of hope, gratitude, and unforgettable moments for the dreamers who deserve it most.
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