Pauline, 92, has been giving back to her community since the young age of 19 after marrying and enlisted soldier. Her husband was stationed in Europe during World War II, leaving newly wed Pauline alone in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. “This was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through” Pauline said. She wanted to contribute to all of the soldiers who were fighting so hard for our country so she promptly volunteered at the USO. In the hours she wasn’t working at the USO, she volunteered at the Red Cross by knitting scarves for soldiers.
After having two sons, Pauline focused all of her time on them and helping them grow-up into respectable young men. Pauline is a selfless individual who has been giving to all those around her for years and has expected nothing in return. To this day, Pauline continues to give back in as many ways possible. She volunteers at Brookdale with the news and views program and also assists in teaching exercise classes. If there is a resident who is sad or upset, Pauline is the first person to try to cheer them up and put a huge smile on their face.
Having grown up in the Midwest, Pauline’s encounters with water were limited to nearby lakes and ponds. Her mom would always tell her about how incredible the beach, boats, and cruises were and Pauline was in awe over it. With limited resources both as a child and grown woman, Pauline’s dream of going on the water was put on hold. That is, until her husband surprised her with a cruise to Puerto Rico back in the 80s. Even though she had such a wonderful trip, she wishes to this day that she could’ve taken her children with her to experience it. Pauline’s Wish of a Lifetime is to go out on the water with her son in hopes of fulfilling this long term wish of hers. When asked why she wanted to go on a boat trip more than anything else, Pauline said “When I moved to Washington, the closest available body of water was the Potomac river. I used to go on day trips to the Potomac, but still hadn’t been able to experience a cruise. That is, until my husband surprised me with a trip to Puerto Rico.” Decades passed, and Pauline still wants nothing more than to go out on the water with her son!
Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale Senior Living are thrilled to be sending Pauline out on the water with her son, Larry, for a morning we know they will cherish forever! “I have such a different outluck on life. I am now much happier and so much more grateful for the simple things!” says Pauline, “It’s hard to believe that such a simple wish can bring so much happiness!” Thank you to Gulfstream Boat Club and Palm Beach Tours and Transportation for making Pauline’s wish a reality and to Charles McCarthy of Weefan Photography for capturing these unforgettable moments!
