Dreamweaver Foundation often provides elaborate and extraordinary dreams, however, sometimes the humblest dreams leave the biggest impact. Humble is the perfect way to describe our 106-year-old Dreamer, Joe. Joe was nominated for a Dream for his 106th birthday and when the Dreamweaver team met with him, Joe’s Dream was unexpected, to say the least. Joe’s dream was to go to Walmart to purchase an iron and ironing board and then enjoy a nice Italian meal.
The Dreamweaver team encouraged Joe to dream bigger, however, Joe’s Dream idea did not veer. Prior to his Dream with Dreamweaver, Joe’s friends at Elk Ridge Village threw him a 106th birthday bash featuring live music by a barbershop quartet. The Dreamweaver team joined Joe in the festivities, providing him with over 150 birthday cards! Our friends at Scheels also wanted to celebrate Joe, and they provided him with numerous presents, including a fishing pole! With Elk Ridge Village located on the water, the fishing pole gift will allow Joe to relive his fishing days!
When it came time for Joe’s Dream, the Dreamweaver team wanted to make it an experience to remember. To start his Dream, Joe was interviewed by the local news station KWTV. Then Joe and his entourage cruised in style to Walmart in a white stretch limo. Joe had never seen a limo that big before and was blown away! Once at Walmart, Joe looked to his shopping list and was able to purchase: an iron, ironing board, jeans, brown socks, a pillowcase, and an American Flag. While Joe was enjoying his shopping experience, he was gifted a basket of goodies provided by the Walmart employees. Joe was overwhelmed by the kindness of others, as well as the many strangers who stopped him while he was shopping to wish him a happy birthday!
Following his shopping trip, Joe and his group enjoyed a delicious Italian meal at Spezia’s. Joe said he must order spaghetti at an Italian restaurant, and there was not one crumb left on his plate! Joe and his friend and fellow veteran, Bob, shared stories of their time in the service during WWII. Joe and Bob reminisced on their different missions, educating and amazing everyone with their experiences. The group shared many laughs and created memories they will all cherish. On the way home, Joe expressed extreme gratitude for his Dream and birthday celebration, stating, “This is my best birthday yet; it was worth the wait.”
