Hazel, 88, from Brookdale Midland in Midland, Texas, spent the majority of her life in Big Springs, Texas. Back in Big Springs, Hazel enjoyed hearing about the local rodeos. In the 1970s, Hazel discovered that a man named George Strait was a strong competitor in roping. Although Hazel wanted to watch George at the rodeo in person, she was unable to do so. Hazel and her husband worked long hours to support their family, so they did not travel much. She was a nurse for over three decades at Big Springs Hospital until it shut down; after that she was a stay at home mom to tend to her children while doing part-time babysitting for neighbors when they went out of town. Hazel continued to follow George Strait as he transitioned from rodeo roper to country singer. It was Hazel’s wish to receive autographed George Strait memorabilia.
When Hazel moved to Brookdale Midland in October 2015, Resident Program Coordinator Manuel Aguilar immediately noticed Hazel. As Hazel was unpacking her things, Manuel said, “George Strait music was playing while she was hanging up her George Strait calendar poster.” Hazel is a country girl and relates to George Strait through his country music lyrics. She also admires the way in which George Strait transitioned from his rodeo career to his country music career. She believes George has always been true to himself and to his fans, and she respects him a lot for that integrity. Not only does Hazel enjoy listening to George Strait, but she often notes that “he’s easy to look at too!”
Today, Hazel spends her days listening to a radio station that plays two George Strait songs every hour. Hazel wished she could have more than her George Strait calendar poster to look at every day. Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale were excited to surprise Hazel with an autographed George Strait framed photo, poster, and a George Strait Straight to Vegas Program during a country western themed party on June 28, 2016. Gina, Hazel’s granddaughter, said Hazel, “was so surprised and excited.” Manuel, Resident Program Director, said, “she was shocked and would not stop smiling.” Hazel finally has special George Strait memorabilia to inspire her every day.
Photo credit: Manuel Obregon, Cha-Pin Productions