Marjorie H., 93, of Brookdale University Park, has a passion for hot air balloons. Marjorie has always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon and get a bird’s eye view of the land. Marjorie was supposed to ride in a hot air balloon for her 80th Birthday, however the ride was cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Marjorie said although she has accomplished many of her life goals, she has never been able to fulfill her wish to ride in a hot air balloon. As a result, Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale sent Marjorie and her grandson on a hot air balloon ride in summer of 2015.
Although Marjorie has lost two husbands over the course of her life, she has maintained a positive attitude. Marjorie’s strong, resilient spirit has helped her overcome these difficult obstacles.
Marjorie has also volunteered throughout her life, as volunteering brings her a great deal of happiness. Marjorie volunteered with an organization called the Primetime Treasures and the Assistance League. Primetime Treasures takes in and sells arts and crafts from people over the age of 55. Marjorie would coordinate with the artists to come and bring in their art, log them in, tag them, and prepare them for sale. Marjorie volunteered her time here for 20 years. At the Assistance League, Marjorie worked with a school program that purchased clothing for children in low-income households. When the children received their new outfits and winter jacket, Marjorie said “it was a wonderful thing to see the children’s faces light up as they got back on the bus to go home with a big sack of wonderful new clothing.” At 93, Marjorie only recently stopped volunteering with this organization five years ago. Today, Marjorie volunteers at Brookdale in the activities department and is a Welcome Ambassador. As a Welcome Ambassador, Marjorie greets and welcomes new residents; a perfect position for such a kind spirited woman.
At the age of 93, Marjorie believed it was no longer possible to fulfill her dream of flying in a hot air balloon. However her eyes still light up when talking about hot air balloons, and she has regained hope that flying at her age is possible. Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale showed Marjorie and others at Brookdale University Park that dreams can come true, no matter what age. On June 28, 2015, Marjorie, her daughter, Karen, her grandson, Max and her granddaughter, Victoria, took to the sky in “BlackMagic,” the name of the hot air balloon. Marjorie’s family came from all over to watch the excited Marjorie fulfill her wish.
As balloon pilot Ken said, “they were all giddy with delight as we left the ground, and the kids were taking ‘selfies’ with” Karen and Marjorie. Marjorie said everything about the wish was her favorite, especially having her family there to experience the beautiful views with her.
