When I got here in June, Signature of Marietta had already been partners with Second Wind Dreams, a non-profit organization with a mission ‘to change the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of innovative educational opportunities to caregivers and communities.’
I was contacted by Krystle Hillery, a ‘dream weaver’ for SWD, and we started asking patients about various things they would love to do if possible (another patient was sent to the Atlanta Aquarium, etc.) Krystle emailed to let me know about the Braves game. I suggested our Albert because he has been a lifelong baseball fan and is a huge Braves fan.
From there, we just worked it out until it all came together. His brother, John Umphlett, also attended and was able to spend a very special night with Albert. Albert stayed until well into the 8th inning and was beaming the entire time – he did not take his eyes off the field! He was even taken out on the field to meet second baseman Phil Gosselin, who gave him a hat and shirt. When we reunited, Albert was so excited he could barely get the words out! When I told Albert he was on TV, he grinned from ear to ear.
We got back to the facility after 11 and I was whooped, but not Albert. He asked, “Do I have to go to bed now?” It was a wonderful night, and I feel so blessed to have been able to be there for it.
– Melissa Nelcha, Quality of Life Director