Independence Village of Carmel fulfills resident’s ‘Dream Big’ wish with a surprise trip to Minnesota

Submitted

Independence Village of Carmel is making dreams take flight – literally – for resident Carol, who will soon travel to Minnesota to attend her great-granddaughter’s high school graduation and reunite with family she hasn’t seen in nearly two years.

Carol has been navigating health challenges over the past few months. During a recent outing to a Chinese buffet, Carol’s fortune cookie read: “Good things are coming in October.” She quietly responded, “I don’t think I’ll be around in October.”

“That was really sad for me to hear,” Independence Village of Carmel Life Enrichment Director Brittany Lehman said. “But then she started talking about her grandchildren and her family in Minnesota, and I thought, maybe we could get her there one last time.”

On Mother’s Day, Lehman surprised Carol with the news that she would be flying to Minnesota.

The surprise brought Carol to tears. “I can’t believe I’m going,” Carol said. “It’s a dream come true.”

Carol will leave on June 7 and spend a few days in Minnesota. In addition to attending the graduation party, she intends to visit her husband’s gravesite and reconnect with extended family and friends.

“I’ve seen all the other granddaughters graduate from high school except her,” Carol said. “And I just want to say hello to my husband. I’ll see him someday.”

She also plans to visit the Mall of America, a place she hasn’t been to in years.

This trip is made possible by the community’s Dream Big initiative, which helps bring residents’ dreams to life. Residents’ dreams vary in size, and some past examples of their dreams that became realities include a food fight, a ride in a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, and a day at a motor speedway.

About Independence Village of Carmel
Independence Village of Carmel is a StoryPoint Group community that offers independent living, assisted living and memory care options. The community is located at 13390 N. Illinois St., Carmel. To learn more about the community’s full services and amenities or to speak with the Independence Village of Carmel team, call (317) 818-0526 or go to storypoint.com/community/carmel-in.