“We’re Just Fishing” By Dori Leslie, Chief Operating Officer
Dreams come true for everyone but for Ward, it really did. On August 9th Ward had a dream come true that he will always remember. On that Tuesday afternoon, he had the opportunity to spend time with some special people. Five sailors, dressed in their blue-and-gray Navy working uniforms, made a special visit to Ward’s condominium to scrub, wax and vacuum his pride and joy: a 1979, baby-blue Larson boat. They also checked out the boat’s 45 Mercury motor to make sure it was in ship-shape. The sailors performed this community service as part of Fargo Navy Week, a week-long event designed to raise awareness of that military branch and its contributions to the home front. When the sailors were with Ward he was able to hang out with the naval officers, show off his boat and practice casting his fishing rod. Ward’s love of fishing and people in uniform may be a remembrance of his late father, who served in the Navy during World War II and later worked for the Minnesota Highway Department.
When this opportunity was announced, staff who work with Ward knew that he would just love to do this. They applied for the Sailors to help Ward and once it was granted, the plans started to come together. Ward and staff arranged all the items that they would need with the most important being a camera. Ward was so excited and proud to have help cleaning his boat, especially with these sailors.
Also this summer Ward has been able to take the boat out on the lake a few times, including once for a friend’s birthday party. When he can’t be on his boat, he’ll still fish from the shore. Ward just loves fishing and hanging out with his friends. He is a man’s man!
To see Ward so happy and proud was so special to everyone who was involved. We are so blessed to have Ward and all the people we support in our lives. We continue to learn through this opportunity and many others that dreams really do come true for people. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others and support them to make their dreams come true!
To see the entire Friendship COnnection Newsletter click here: Newsletter-Friendship_W12