Everyone has a dream that they simply can’t let go. These dreams don’t have to be really huge, some are just simple wishes that we want to fulfill even as we get older.
One 99-year-old woman has a wish that she really wanted to come true. She may have aged, but her young heart still longs to make her lifelong dream of meeting a penguin a reality!
Joyce Gardner, 99 years of age, is a resident of Bernadette House, a care facility in the UK. When she first arrived there, she was asked to make a wish. What she did not know was that they will take her unusual wish seriously and they were intent on making it come true!
“Some people ask for a certain type of cake or a specific film,” Elizabeth Stephens, the owner of the home, shared. “But Joyce asked to meet a penguin, which was a first for us.”
After three months, what seemed to be an impossible request finally became possible through the efforts of Elizabeth. In coordination with Heythrop Zoological Gardens, she was able to get three penguins who are used to “acting” and facing the camera. Three cute penguins visited the Bernadette House: Charlie, Groot and Pringle.
Fortunately, the birds were “incredibly social” and there was no issue even though they met people and interacted with them. They are not bothered when complete strangers talk to them and pet them, which meant that they were the perfect visitors for Joyce in the Bernadette House.
It was such a fun moment for the elderly lady. Joyce and her neighbors were able to mingle with the three adorable penguins and had the a really great time interacting with them.
“I’ve always loved animals, especially penguins,” Joyce said. “To meet one in real life was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
Joyce’s wish was actually a way that made Elizabeth realized what she should be doing for the residents of the Bernadette House. She was always looking for things that would entertain the residents, and Joyce giving such an unlikely wish gave her the idea of bringing the lovable animals to give joy and laughter in the care facility.
Meeting penguins is not exactly something that anyone can easily do. Bringing the animals to the home was actually an extraordinary event and Elizabeth was glad to have stumbled with this marvelous idea through Joyce and her lifelong wish.
What’s even more amazing was the fact that these penguins are actually considered as animals who provide support. Being around friendly animals have been known to reduce stress and help people, especially the elderly, in coping with life in general and relaxing. Who knew a simple wish from an old lady can lead to this fabulous encounter?
The residents at Bernadette House, Joyce included, really had a great time with the penguins and were glad to have the beautiful animals around. When it comes to wishes, it really is true that age is not a limit and that we can all dream of anything that can bring us joy and happiness.
Joyce may have been one year shy of a century when she wished to meet a penguin, but her wish was something that truly made everyone happy. We are happy that these lovely elder-lies had a fun and memorable moment with the penguins, which only meant that no matter how old we are, it is never too late to make our wishes come true.
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