Family is incredibly important to Elizabeth: to her there’s “no bigger gift.” Her children lost their father two-and-a-half years ago – at the same young age of 43 – so breaking to them the news of her own terminal diagnosis was exceedingly difficult. At home, Elizabeth’s focus is on being a mother while she still can. She constantly reminds her children that “every minute counts…it is not to be wasted” and to “smile, enjoy it to the end.” There is, however, someone important she has not yet been able to properly enjoy. Elizabeth’s own mother is also seriously ill and, although they are very close, the two have not been able to see each other in years. Both dream for a final reunion. “I would love to spend some time laughing with her, just laying on the beach by her house.” Giving this loving mother the opportunity to be a daughter as well, would mean the world to Elizabeth.
The impact Bruce Springsteen’s music has had on Gerald’s life is insurmountable. He says his “obsession” with the artist began more than 30 years ago – and in the time since, he’s been fortunate to attend dozens of concerts – each one a revitalizing and invigorating experience. “When I was originally diagnosed with Leukemia, I wrote out the lyrics of Bruce’s songs that touch my heart and give me strength, and posted them in my hospital room,” Gerald writes. “Bruce lifts my soul and comforts my mind, fills me with an energy of strength and determination.” Now, in the midst of treatments, surgeries and a bout with pneumonia – and in the final days of his life – Gerald longs to see “The Boss” just one more time, and maybe… just maybe… meet him face-to-face.
Amid the struggles of her terminal prognosis, Helen has a special place she can go to find happiness: the world of any Denzel Washington film. She’s seen every movie (multiple times), and has always tried to catch every release its first day in theaters. She can talk extensively about every role he’s ever played. Until she is physically incapable, Helen will continue to line up on opening day to watch her idol’s latest work. Her admiration of Washington’s talent has become her final dream. “He has always been my favorite actor,” Helen writes. “It would mean so much to me to meet and talk to him.”
Jim’s dream is beautifully simple. Just three states away, safe in his brother’s care, are VHS tapes of old childhood and family home movies. However, between the two brothers there is only one set, and Jim does not have the means to have them mailed or travel to retrieve them himself. His dream is to have the tapes converted to DVD so that he and his brother can each have their own. Jim has fought his disease for 11years – six more than most believed medically possible. After struggling so long, his decline has left him coping with daily breathing treatments, medication and physical therapy. Taking a break to relax, tell stories, and reminisce in memories of loved ones would be a welcome comfort to him and his wife – and, when Jim is gone, the home movies would remain as cherished keepsakes for her.
For friends who know James, his wife, and their dream, the words ‘truly in love’ fit the couple perfectly. “James looks at his wife as if there is no one else in the world but her. Viola smiles and seems to blush whenever she talks about him and the adventures they have had together,” one friend says. Every April the two celebrate their luck finding each other. This year however, they will do so knowing how little time James has left. For a final anniversary, what do you plan? Although walking and talking are difficult, James knows his answer. He dreams to give his sweetheart a second honeymoon of carefree fun, bright lights, bustling excitement… maybe even a stint with Elvis in a chapel. Hey, it’s Vegas – the perfect time to live a little.
