Rick’s best memories of his childhood include family reunions at Leach Lake in MN, where he and his family would gather each summer to fish. Fishing has always been Rick’s happy place, and he was thrilled to share the joy of fishing with his wife, Diane. Rick jokes that Diane beats him every time at fishing because of her unstoppable “beginners’ luck”, but he is not a sore sport—saying that his sweetheart Diane is his “best catch ever.” The couple was married in July of 2019, and even after a year of quarantining together it’s easy to see that these lovebirds are still in the honeymoon phase! 
Bethany from Saunders County Hospice nominated Rick to receive a Dream through Dreamweaver Foundation. Bethany thought a Dream would help relieve the stress of Rick’s illness, and she thought they might enjoy a day out on the water in their happy place. When we first met with Rick to learn about his Dream, he was so humbled to be nominated. While he said he would enjoy a fishing trip, Rick told us that what he really wanted was for us to help him and his wife get some professional pictures taken, because “all they had were selfies.” We fell in love with Rick and Diane instantly and quickly worked out a plan to do both—a dream fishing trip with the help of Live Well. Go Fish., and a wonderful photo shoot on the boat with Amber Rae Photography.
The weeks leading up to the fishing trip were full of ups and downs—with days of bad weather and days when Rick was not feeling well. The happy couple kept their eye on the prize though, and they weathered those hardships while staying focused on the goal of having a great day out on the lake! Diane was so excited for the fishing trip that she woke up extra early the morning of May 26th— she could not believe the perfect weather, and Rick woke up feeling well and ready to fish!! She and Rick were so touched by the incredible turnout to send him off on his Dream–Rick’s entire hospice team congregated on their doorstep to wish him well!
As Rick pulled into the Lake Wanahoo parking lot in his VIP limo, more than a few heads turned! He and Diane felt like celebrities as they boarded the Live Well. Go Fish. pontoon boat. David Ruder and Live Well. Go Fish. volunteer, John, were on board to help the couple find the best fishing spot, bait the hooks, and make sure that everyone was having a great time. Of course, Amber was ready with her camera to capture the action! Dreamweaver provided a cooler stocked with Rick’s favorites—Pizza Hut sandwiches and Lays potato chips, and Katrina rode along to cheer Rick on as he caught fish after fish!
Dreamweaver Foundation would like to thank Saunders County Hospice for introducing us to Rick, Live Well. Go Fish. Nebraska for making Rick’s Dream come true, and Amber Rae Photography for capturing the magic of this wonderful couple so that they will have much more than selfies to look back on as they remember this perfect day.
