Miami has always held a special place in the heart of 91-year-old William L. from Gladstone, NJ. It was where he honeymooned with his late wife and where his family gathered for annual vacations, creating countless cherished memories. Now living with Alzheimer’s, William finds it challenging to recall many things, but his memories of Miami remain vivid.
William’s life has been anything but easy. He left school in the sixth grade to support his family after his father left, taking on responsibilities beyond his years. Although not the eldest of his four siblings, he felt the need to help and went to work. Later, William served in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Air Force for six years, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.
After his military service, William worked tirelessly as a carpenter, often from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, rarely taking time for himself. His difficult upbringing instilled in him an ardent desire to provide a better life for his own children, and he succeeded in putting all four through private school and college. His daughter Lisa describes him as a man of high values who always took care of others. He always lived by the saying, “You can’t cheat an honest man.”
William has faced significant challenges since his Alzheimer’s diagnosis ten years ago, and the loss of his wife four years ago has only intensified his struggles. With the help of Wish of a Lifetime, he was able to return to Miami after 25 years, stepping back into cherished memories of family vacations — from carefree days on North Miami Beach to the vibrant soul of Little Havana’s Cuban culture.
The Senior Planet center in Miami welcomed William and his family on March 14. They were greeted by staff and treated to coffee and delectable Cuban pastries. William was then introduced to virtual reality goggles. As a former pilot, he thoroughly enjoyed a flight simulation experience – a virtual tour of Miami and a trip down the Danube, led by Senior Planet trainer, David Slapak. Everyone in the room (including other curious participants) was able to view these VR videos on the big screen.
Guests at the center that day were appreciative of the experience, not only for the nostalgia but because a way was found around William’s physical challenges allowing him to have these experiences from the comfort of a chair. His daughter, Lisa, was so impressed that she plans to purchase a set of goggles for William’s use at home. Finally, the family enjoyed a delicious Latin American lunch with the staff. Throughout the whole visit there was lively chatter and laughter. William had many lucid moments where he recalled fond memories of his family and career. Truly, it felt like the Center’s staff were entertaining good friends and this is the beauty and unique magic that Senior Planet can create.
Wish of a Lifetime® from AARP’s mission is to spark hope and joy in the hearts of older adults by fulfilling their dreams through personalized experiences that promote healthy and purposeful aging. Learn more about Wish of a Lifetime at WishofALifetime.org.