WWII Trip May 2010

What a group of American heroes! Forever Young took 31 Mid-South WWII veterans to visit the National WWII Memorial in Washington, DC for the trip of a lifetime. We had POWs, B-17/B-24/B-29 pilots and crewmembers, Normandy soldiers, and nurses. Every branch of service was represented in this group. Among the highlights were the celebrations and loving send-off and welcome from Delta Airlines. Arriving at Reagan National, hundreds of people and uniformed military personnel came to welcome our veterans to Washington DC. Army Air Corps veteran Bob Mosby took advantage of the attention and danced for everyone!

Here are a few excerpts from the journal of M.B, Howard, a B-24 navigator. Mr. Howard, a retired postal worker, was taken off his regular crew to fly the lead aircraft on a mission. He was in the number 1 position and his regular crew was number 2. He watched his crew fall to their deaths after being shot down. Honoring these men and women for their sacrifice is the least we can do.

"A few months ago, I made a wish to this organization that I'd like to visit Washington DC and the WW2 memorial. In May, this wish was granted. One third of our veterans were over 90 years of age (one who was 95 also had his 91year-old brother and 87 year-old cousin along). When we walked into the terminal at the airport we were greeted by what seemed like 500 people. They were applauding, shaking our hands, and thanking us for our service. All this was happening while a brass brand, on the second floor balcony, was playing the Marine, Army, Navy, and Air Force songs. This was a very touching experience and brought tears to the eyes of many veterans. Upon arrival at Reagan Airport in DC, we were again honored with applause and thanks when we entered the terminal. While we were in the plane, we could hear applause for those veterans who were entering first. Outside, military personnel who thanked us once again took care of our luggage and greeted us. We were very patient with the veterans who had difficulty walking. It required almost 20 minutes to have our luggage, walkers, wheel chairs and passengers loaded. 90-year-old veterans just can't rush up the steps and then go down the aisle in a run. At our age, we learned to be patient a long time ago. The tour bus took us to our dinner reservations and when we entered the restaurant the patrons stood and applauded us. When we arrived at the WWII Memorial we made our way over to the Tennessee pillar. Diane Hight, our fearless leader, had pre-arranged for a Marine, in full dress uniform, to meet us there. We could never forget those who didn't make it home. We stood at attention while our veterans called out names of their friends and family who had died in WW2. I called the name of my crew who died on March 8, 1945. They were Genner, Miller, Adams, Alarid, Burke, Coker, Hollar, and McDonald.

The Marine played taps and this was a very emotional experience for me and again brought tears to my eyes. There were 4,048 gold stars located on the Freedom Wall. Each star represents 100 veterans who were killed or missing during the war... totaling over 400,000. Most of those killed in WW2 were just kids who were fresh out of high school. We went to the Capitol and to dinner. Each day we had mail call. Each veteran received two or three letters a day. Diane was thoughtful enough to have children in different grammar schools write personal letters thanking us for our service to our country. On the second day, we went to Arlington Cemetery. I was very touched at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Sentries have guarded this tomb since 1937 day and night, rain or shine, snow or hurricane. Changing of the guard is an event that you can never forget. Next we went to the Korean Memorial and it got to me. These larger than life statues of soldiers were marching across what seemed to be rice paddies. It was so life-like and there I remembered a friend who died in that conflict. We also stopped at the Marine Corps Memorial, Vietnam Wall, and the Lincoln Memorial. A special thank-you goes out to the Woodbridge, VA Elks Lodge for the wheelchairs, walkers and lunches. They honored us in a special way. When we arrived back in Memphis, the fireman at the airport honored us by spraying the plane with water - I think it's called a water cannon salute. It is only done for important people. When I think back on this trip of a lifetime, I want to thank the people who gave funds to Forever Young to make it possible. I don't know how long it has been since someone thanked me for my service in WW2. I think I can speak for the entire group when I say, "We were honored." At our age, we just get into the rut of believing that no one cares about WW2 veterans anymore. Diane, I wish to hank you and your husband, Greg, and son, Ben, for the many hours of time you spent arranging this trip. You kept telling us that you love us. I want to tell you that I love you."

M.B. Howard, Jr.

WWII Monument Trip

WWII Veteran Bill Yocum had a wish-to visit the National WWII Memorial. As Forever Young started to work on this easy request, daily calls began to come in. "We hear you're going to the WWI Memorial. This is a dream of mine too. May I go?" It started with one veteran and quickly grew to six. The Commercial Appeal called and said, "We've heard you're going to the WWII Memorial. We want to do a story." Forever Young only expected to take a couple more, but received 30 calls from veterans wanting to go. The response was overwhelming! This truly was a dream come true for each one of them. When it was time to leave we had 53 in our group. There were 26 Mid-South WWII veterans, wives, sons, daughters, friends, a nurse, a Channel 5 photojournalist and volunteers.

To make it easier on the veterans, Bellevue Baptist Church graciously offered to let the men park their cars at the church and transport them to the airport. When they arrived at Bellevue, the Memphis Fire Department had two engines with their ladders up and a flag attached to each ladder for form an arch. As they departed, they drove under the flag and the tears began to flow. This was just the beginning to a day of honor and gratitude for their service.

Forever Young had made previous arrangements with Delta Airlines, since the veterans were flying nonstop to Reagan National in Washington, DC. The Memphis airport was waiting with wheelchairs and a celebration. When the veterans walked into the terminal the Navy Band was playing and Delta employees began waving flags and shaking hands with each of them. There were banners, cheers, music, hugs, salutes, and tears. One veteran didn't realize the celebration was for him. He thought someone famous was flying out of Memphis. When the men arrived at the gate, Delta had drinks, food, chocolates, and a huge banner to welcome them. However, it wasn't over. The same tribute continued when they arrived in Washington DC. The WWII guys were in shock over the attention and said they had never seen a tribute like this in their lifetimes. Many cried over the way they were honored.

When the veterans left the hotel for the memorial, Forever Young had "Mail Call" for the guys just like the U.S. military during WWII. Mail Call during the war was extremely important! Each bag contained a "WWII Veteran" hat, a personal letter from FedEx CEO and President Fred Smith, and a card from a child thanking them for their service. The men loved it! Forever Young had previously arranged with an elementary school to come and greet the veterans as they arrived at the memorial. The fifth graders who were studying the Second World War had made cards, drawn pic tures, and presented a flag to each man who wore a uniform in the 1940's. Forever Young found out later how much this meant to them-more than anyone could imagine. In addition, the veterans had the privilege of meeting Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole. They visit the memorial each Saturday to greet the men and women who served.

The veterans also visited the Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Arlington Cemetery and the Marine Corps/Iwo Jima, Navy and Air Force Memorials, and George Washington's home at Mr. Vernon.

Here are few comments from some of the veterans who attended the trip.

• "I've never known anything to be so perfect," said Boyd Maize, a Germantown Army Air Corps veteran, about the trip.
• Forrest Benskin from Bartlett commented, "I thought this was going to be some little trip, so I wasn't prepared for what a big deal this was going to be. Nothing could exceed this experience in my life."
• Ken Thomas from Lakeland stated, "I've been to Hawaii, Nova Scotia, Bermuda, but none of them compared to this trip."
• Roy Barnes of Memphis said, "There isn't any amount of money I would take for this trip."
• Hayes Laughlin of Bartlett said, "I am a man of few words, but I must tell everyone how much it meant to me. I will remember it for the rest of my life. Can I go back on the next trip as a volunteer?"
• Iwo Jima survivor Hollan Richardson stated, "This was one of the best experiences of my life. Also, I have made so many new friends."

Special thanks to Bellevue Baptist Church, Channel 5 WMC-TV, Delta Airlines, Durham Foundation, Elks Lodge in Woodbridge, Va., FedEx CEO Fred Smith, Helena Chemical, McKee Foundation, Tom and Kathleen Green, Travel Leaders, and all those who helped honor these soldiers, sailors, pilots, and Marines of WWII.

WWII Buddy's Family Found

"We were in the 106th Infantry (The Golden Lions) and were at the Battle of the Bulge. It was 3 or 4 in the afternoon and I was driving the truck while my best friend, John Lux, from Massachusetts, sat in the passenger seat. The Germans dropped paratroopers on us, so we didn't have a chance. We left the truck on foot, but the troops caught up with us. We were sent to a POW camp where our job was to work on the railroads where they brought the Jewish people. I have a picture of them in the background, stacked up in a pile. It's hard to even think about it.

The Germans would take us on the death marches in the worst conditions - freezing temperatures, no food, exhausted, and sick. We wore those big, wool coats, which weighed a ton when they got wet. My dear friend, John, wasn't doing well. He was too old to be fighting in a war. He was around 40 years old, so he was probably the age of most of our Dads back home. (Many of the boys called him Papa) John got to a point where he couldn't walk under the heavy coat any longer, so I volunteered to carry it for him. I held it for him as long as I could, but it came to point where I just had to give it back. John kept falling further and further behind. As we traveled down the road we heard two shots and we never saw him again.

All these years I've felt like I contributed to his death because I gave him his coat back. John was a great inspiration and was never afraid of anything. He was the best soldier. I never heard him complain one time, about anything. Well, I did hear him say once, "I wish it wasn't so cold." I had hatred for the Germans; they didn't have any mercy. They would kill you as look at you. I never did anything they asked, so it's a wonder I survived. When you've been through what we went through, you come back a different person. You can't get it off your mind.

If I could have anything it would be to find out what truly happened to my buddy, John Lux, and to talk to his family. I want them to know what a great man and soldier he was."

When we received this wish we knew we would need God's help. We only had the name and state of Mr. Shell's friend, but thanks to a Forever Young volunteer, Mr. Lux's hometown was located. Since 65 years had gone by, we didn't know if anyone would remember his family or not. Therefore, I emailed the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mike Supranwicz, to ask for help. Within a couple hours, we had Mr. Lux's obituary in our hands. He had made it back from the war and died in 1989. He never married or had children, so the search to find a sibling, niece, or nephew began. After much searching, his niece, Faith Conlon, 81, from Massachusetts, was located.

Mrs. Conlon was thrilled to hear a former POW buddy of her Uncle Jack was searching for them. She graciously agreed to speak with Mr. Shell, from Seymour, Tennessee, to give him the peace he has been looking for all these years. Therefore, when Forever Young called to deliver the good news to Mr. Shell, he couldn't believe it. He had asked several people over the years to find Mr. Lux's family but no one had ever been successful. Now he held in his hand the phone number of John Lux's niece. The very second he heard a dial tone he began to dial. "From the moment I heard her voice she was family to me," Mr. Shell said. They talked a long time and hearing about John Lux's life brought a lot of joy and peace to Mr. Shell. "He had a good life. How I wish I'd known he had made it home because we could have visited each other. I'll never understand what happened to him that day in 1945, but I'm glad he made it out of there. One thing I know, he was a great American soldier. He was a soldier's soldier and I loved him."

Mrs. Conlon said, "Uncle Jack came back a different person. He was easy going and happy before he left, but was more serious when he returned from the war. He would never talk about it. He didn't want any reminders of the war and discarded everything that reminded him of WWII. He would say, "Faithy, don't ever glamorize war." When I asked him if he'd like to get a license plate that said. "Prisoner Of War", he said, "No." He didn't want anyone to know. He didn't want to talk about it."

Later, when we talked to Mr. Shell, he was overcome with emotion. He kept saying over and over, "Relief, relief, I finally have relief. It doesn't hurt to talk about the war anymore. Now that I know John made it home, I'm at peace. Faith and I will stay in contact. She is a wonderful woman because she's John's niece, and she will always be welcome here. She's family now. Things have changed for me, for I actually spent the day at the middle school talking about my war experiences and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Before I always hated talking about the war because I thought John had been killed.Now thanks to you. I am free."

Special thanks to Michelle Woodham for working miracles and thanks to Jim McIntosh for helping grant this wish.

WWII Group Visits FedEx

During a Forever Young speaking engagement, Henry Boyd shouted out his wish, "I want to visit FedEx, and I want to bring my buddies!" Everyone laughed, but he wasn't kidding. He truly wanted to visit FedEx. He wanted to see the empire built by Fred Smith and the inner workings of this massive operation. He's always been fascinated by the success of the company.

Henry Boyd is the president of the Bartlett WWII group in Bartlett, TN. Keeping this WWII group together is very important to him and he works diligently each month to arrange speakers and to provide a place for the guys to gather. Henry was on the B-24 Liberator during WWII and he suffered from airsickness the whole time. "It may not be the greatest of memories; however, when you're fighting a war it's not that big a deal." When the guys get together each month they drink coffee, tell jokes, laugh, and share war stories. You can tell they draw comfort from one another. There is a feeling of peace, a true brotherhood.

When Vans-To-Go heard about the Bartlett group's adventure to FedEx, they graciously donated a van so everyone could be together. At first, we thought this was a good idea, but having 15 WWII guys in a van for 30 minutes is quite a challenge. It was like a comedy routine- not one serious moment. When the van arrived at FedEx, the driver said, "I am bringing your new-hire pilots." The security guard laughed hysterically.

When the guys arrived they were surprised with an Airbus simulator ride. Many were impressed with their natural-born flying skills; others didn't do so well. They teased each other the rest of the day. The facility was much larger than anyone expected and there were airplanes everywhere. A plane flew approximately 80 feet over the bus during the tour, so low it appeared it was going to hit us! It was a very cool experience. However, the biggest surprise of all came when Henry Boyd received an autographed Airbus 300 signed by Founder and CEO, Fred Smith. With tears in his eyes, Henry was stunned that Mr. Smith would give him such a valuable and meaningful gift. Flying on the B-24 Liberator, Henry deserved it. He sacrificed much for our nation and now it's our turn to honor him. Fred Smith understands what these men mean to our country.

(Special thanks to FedEx Founder & CEO Fred Smith, Steve Taylor, Rick Armstrong, and Karen Smith. Also, a big thanks to the FedEx flight training department.) The Bartlett group has given Diane a new title that she will cherish forever: "Sweetheart of the WWII Vets."

USS Utah Survivor Returns to Pearl Harbor

Robert Swift, 23, was below deck on the USS Utah at Pearl Harbor wrapping souvenirs and writing Christmas cards to his family in Tennessee when he heard a loud commotion. It was an early Sunday morning and the men had just finished breakfast and were looking forward to a day of relaxation. Many sailors had gone up top to sunbathe and enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sun, so the men below were confused by the loud, disturbing noises. Robert ran up to the deck and saw many sailors lying around - shot and lifeless. The commander told the men to get below, so they would be safe. However, torpedo and Japanese fighter planes had simultaneously attacked the USS Utah, so they didn't realize the severity of the situation. As the sailors began to gather in a lower compartment, the water rose rapidly. Mr. Swift said, "We realized we were in trouble when the water got waist deep, so we ran out of there like a bunch of drowned rats." The ship turned on her side and sank in 8 minutes. Like many sailors, Mr. Swift swam through the oil fires to the shore to survive. The USS Utah was the first ship attacked and wasn't very far from the shore, which saved many of their lives.

Robert Swift's wish was to return to Hawaii to be reunited with his ship and fallen comrades. The USS Utah still lies on her side, and just like the USS Arizona, contains the remains of those sailors who perished there on December 7, 1941.

What a huge undertaking this was for Forever Young, and it was going to take all of us to bring this wish to fruition. Channel 3's morning show, Live@9, asked the community for financial help, as well as the Collierville Herald. The consensus was unanimous- we had to get Mr. Swift, 90, back to Pearl Harbor. It had been almost 70 years since he was there and this was something our community couldn't ignore. With the help of the Durham Foundation and some loyal contributors, Mr. Swift was on his way within four short weeks.

One of the greatest surprises came when Jackie Ford from Northwest Airlines told us they were going to upgrade Mr. and Mrs. Swift's tickets to first class. Ms. Ford said, "This is our gift to Mr. Swift for his service to our country." Having never flown first class before, Robert didn't know he'd be treated like a superstar, and he'd get to eat all the way to Hawaii!

On the day of the Swift's departure, the Navy Band and the University of Memphis Naval ROTC, came to the airport to give him a formal send-off. Channel 3 did a story on Mr. Swift, which was an awesome tribute. You can view it by clicking here.

Mr. and Mrs. Swift and their daughter, Christie, spent 5 nights in Hawaii and were treated like royalty. Jim Taylor, Pearl Harbor Survivor Liaison, hosted the Swift family and arranged for a private tour of the island. This special trip on the Navy's yacht took Robert to the USS Utah once again. Mr. Swift was moved by the amount of respect and attention he received at Pearl Harbor and couldn't believe he was being asked to sign autographs. J His wife said laughing, " He's going to get a big head. I'm going to have to nail his feet to the floor."

The Swift family is humbled by the love they've they been shown and could never thank everyone for making this trip possible. Mr. Swift said, " This was a trip of a lifetime and I never would have gone without Forever Young. Thanks so much."

(Special thanks to everyone who helped made this dream come true.)

View more videos about this story:

• Mr. Swift tells his story to Channel 5 News: View
• His story was featured on the Navy Channel: View (Requires Windows Media Player)
• Channel 3 News has a story about Mr. Swift: View (Requires Windows Media Player)

Cruise for a WWII Veteran Couple

Bob and Betty Brenner's love affair began when they saw each other at a dance in El Paso, Texas, during WWII. Bob winked as he said; "I was having a "coke" with my buddies when I saw Betty doing the jitterbug on the dance floor. I could see her blue eyes across the room and I knew she was the girl for me." Bob told his buddies," I am going marry that beautiful, Army nurse," but they laughed, "You won't even get a dance with her, much less marry her." Even though she turned him down several times, Bob kept insisting and she finally said, "Yes." Six months later, they were married.

With tears in his eyes, Bob praised his wife of 63 years for her courage and bravery during the war. "She has suffered for years with post-traumatic stress disorder due to her service in the war. She worked on soldiers who were so badly injured that it's still too difficult to talk about it. Even at her age, she still suffers." Bob, 81, who has Multiple Sclerosis, had a wish for Forever Young- he wanted one last romantic trip with his wife, 83. Due to his declining health, he knew this would be their last adventure, so with the help of their family and the generous donations of our contributors, the Brenner's were given a priceless, five-day, Western cruise departing from New Orleans. To make the trip easier, we also included a round trip ticket on Amtrak train from Memphis, which made the experience even more meaningful. "It reminded us both of the troop trains from WWII. They had the men on one train and women on another. Don't you think those windows were busy when we passed each other," Betty said laughing.

Accompanied by their grandson, the Brenner's couldn't get over the beautiful sunsets and the dolphins swimming by the ship. One evening they had a wonderful experience as the entire restaurant sang "Happy Anniversary" and brought little cakes for them to enjoy. Betty remembers, "It was just grand to see so many people celebrating with us. It's a memory we'll have forever."

Having never been on a cruise before, the Brenner's received a once-in-a-lifetime gift and they're both extremely grateful to everyone who made it possible. What an honor for Forever Young to provide a dream trip to these veterans and to be able to show our gratitude for their service and sacrifice to our country. May we always cherish our WWII veterans, for they are so precious to us.

(Special thanks to the Wallis family, Jim Sigler, Dr. Nelson Campany, and Don Ballard for helping fulfill this wish)

Meeting with Joel Osteen

What does an 86 year old receive for her birthday that thrills her beyond words? Eva Skelton, a retired factory worker from Holly Springs, Mississippi received tickets to the Joel Osteen worship service from her daughter, Susan Graves, which was to be held in Memphis. Mrs. Skelton began watching Osteen on Sunday mornings when going to church became more and more difficult for her. "My Mom loves Joel. He is her pastor and she talks about him daily like he's her grandson," said Susan.

When Susan contacted Forever Young with the thought of surprising her Mom with a Joel Osteen meeting, she knew her Mom would be elated to meet him. With a lot of prayer and kindness from the Osteen staff, here is a recollection of the events from Eva's daughter: "They took us down to floor and we went backstage and only waited for a minute. Joel Osteen walked around the corner and Mom just about fainted! It was so cute; she grabbed his hand and wouldn't let go. He was soooooooo nice to her. He hugged her. He talked and prayed with her."

"She couldn't really say anything. She just sat there holding his hand, crying. However, she finally did tell him about watching every Sunday and how much she loved him. The meeting lasted a good 10 minutes. We were all star struck!! He was sooooo cute and just as sweet as he could be. Very humble and down to earth. This would never have happened without Forever Young. Daniel Hight, a Forever Young volunteer, took pictures and I think my Mom kind of had a crush on him- he was a cutie!! We thank you so much. Everything was perfect."

Mrs. Skelton spent 3 ½ hours in Wal-Mart the next day telling everyone about meeting Joel. She said, " This was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. It made my world."

(Special thanks to Joel Osteen for living what he preaches and to his awesome staff, Andrea and Stephanie. Their love for seniors made this dream come true.)

Electric Wheelchair

It was so much fun to watch the Lord fulfill this wish within forty-eight hours of Syvilla Fields' call. Ms. Fields wanted to donate an electric wheelchair to someone who could use it, and she knew Forever Young could make it happen.

Richard Cruse, who wouldn't reveal his age, desperately needed an electric wheelchair. Having only one functioning arm and leg, he couldn't maneuver a regular wheelchair, so moving around was impossible. This gift was a huge need for him. When we delivered it, Richard couldn't wait to get in it. "I've been stuck in my room and couldn't go anywhere. This is freedom for me," he said. He began zipping up and down the hallways and said to a nurse, " Do you want to go for a ride, baby?" Everyone laughed at his joy.

Richard, a retired deputy sheriff and professional wrestler, is a real character. His 1970s wrestling team, the Blue Demons, wore blue masks and carried pitchforks. He said, "Those were the best days of my life." Mr. Cruse was flying all over the place by the time we left. He kept thanking us for his newfound freedom. He reiterated, "This is a new life for me!" As we were entering the elevator, I heard him say to another resident, "See, what I've got!"
(Special thanks to the Fields family and to Lena Booker)

Perfect Date

Having been paralyzed on her right side since birth, Marge, 79, has become a strong woman. "I have always enjoyed people older and younger than me, but I've never really clicked with people my own age. I think it's because they made fun of me when I was growing up," said Marge. Being born in Ohio and moving to North Carolina to be near family, Marge has always had a close family. She moved to Memphis eight years ago to be near her nephew.

A friend who wanted Marge to have the time of her life contacted Forever Young, "She is a great woman and deserves a wish. She has never been on a date and she loves to have fun." Forever Young found the perfect man to wine and dine her. Daniel Hight, 25, picked her up in a limo, took her to dinner at the historic Peabody Hotel, and then attended Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" at the Orpheum.

When asked what was her favorite part of the evening she immediately mention the limo. "I loved the limo, the flowers, the dinner, and White Christmas was fabulous." Daniel asked, "What about your date? Wasn't he ridiculously good looking?" Marge laughed, "Of course! I can't wait to show everyone the pictures. I know they'll be jealous."

Marge said her experience with Forever Young was delightful. "You all have a great sense of humor and I feel like I 've known you all my life. Thanks so much." (Special thanks to All Star Limo for discounting their services, Piano's flowers and gifts for the flowers & corsage, and to Capriccios for donating the wine.)

Back in the Cockpit

WWII and Eastern Airline pilot, Jack Dycus, 85, from Indianapolis recently had his dream fulfilled. Jack's wish was to sit in a modern airplane and discuss the differences in technology since he last flew for a national airline 23 years ago. Bob Haverstick, founder of Never Too Late, asked Forever Young to assist them in completing this wish. As Bob would say it, "Connecting the dots."

Forever Young board member and Fed Ex pilot, Greg Hight, arranged with the company to provide an MD-10 aircraft for Mr. Dycus' wish in Indianapolis. Everyone at the FedEx hub treated Jack as a VIP and he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the pilots Jim and Dan. He was amazed over the "glass cockpit" and seeing how much technology had advanced in aviation since his retirement. Jack kept uttering…"I can't believe I'm here…I can't believe I'm in the cockpit…I can't believe you allowed me to come and see this plane." In addition to the time in the cockpit, Jack was able to watch some FedEx planes takeoff and land. The two hours he spent with the Indy crew flew by as if they were mere minutes.

Jack was on "Cloud 9" when he got back to the retirement center, and anyone he came in contact with heard about his amazing adventure. His chaperone Rose said it was the "most alive" and "animated" she has seen Jack in two years.

The photo of Mr. Dycus leaning out the cockpit window and waving to the camera is a shot similar to the one he took when he flew missions during WWII. (Special thanks to Federal Express, Pilots Dan Dwyer, Jim McCort, and Greg Hight for making the arrangements.)

Visiting an Ill Son

When Jewell's son, James, heard the news his Mom was coming to visit, he cried. Being a widow, Mrs. Walker didn't think she'd have an opportunity to go to Charlotte, North Carolina to visit her son, who is dying from Multiple System Atrophy.

Jewell's grandson, Jason, contacted Forever Young and asked if it would be possible for us to fulfill this wish for his grandmother and uncle. The entire family was elated when they received the news that Jewell would be going to North Carolina and could stay for two weeks to pamper her son.

James' illness is to a point where he can't hold his head up, and eating is so difficult. However, when Jewell arrived and began cooking those southern dishes like black-eyed peas and cornbread, his appetite came alive. "Fulfilling this wish for my Grandma has made so many people happy. This never would have happened without Forever Young and we are forever grateful. It is very nice to have someone care about what we're going through," said Jason.

(As we see many times in wishes- the giving keeps going and going. A Forever Young volunteer has agreed to send Jewell back to see her son one more time.)