Heartland Hospice serving Twin Cities patient, Jude, had two wishes: to ride in a sports car and enjoy a steak dinner with his daughter. The hospice team worked together to surprise Jude with his Heart’s Desire.

“I can’t put into words adequately the emotions that have filled me these past 24 hours.

It all started around 4 pm yesterday as I was sitting on my couch, I looked out my window and noticed a red Camaro convertible parked in my driveway. At first, I did not think much about it, but when a group of people started to build, I knew something was going on, especially when I saw Tracy, my care transition nurse from Heartland Hospice. I met with Tracy and my team and she reminded me that when we first met she asked me if I had a wish list and I told her that I would love to ride in a sports car and have a really nice steak dinner. Well, that is what they arranged for me.

I was completely blown away when I discovered they had planned a special day for me. I couldn’t believe NO ONE had leaked anything to me. My daughter Emma arrived all dressed up to join me. I was also surprised to see a former classmate of mine and a friend of Tracy’s, Jason, who would be my chauffeur for the night.

With me riding shotgun and Emma in the back, we headed out. The ride was great with the wind blowing and the music booming, I felt on top of the world. Jason and I had great conversations about the past, as well as our love of photography. We drove to several places and even went back to the Fridley area where we grew up; it brought back some great memories.

On our way to the next location, the ride was sweet, I just enjoyed taking in every second of it. I did not take any pictures, I just wanted to be in the moment. When we arrived in downtown Minneapolis, Emma said, ‘We are here!’ It was Murray’s Steak House! I have always wanted to try their Silver Butter Knife Steak. I now knew that my other wish was about to happen. Jason dropped us off at the door and was on his way. I am so grateful for Jason; words cannot express how I feel about everything he did!

Emma and I checked in with the hostess, and when asked how many I assumed 2, but Emma told them 6. Well, again another surprise! We were seated in the back of the restaurant, my back was to the door so I couldn’t see anyone who came in, I’m sure Emma planned this as well to keep surprising me, she is so clever.

After a few minutes, my brother Joe and sister Kris arrived, then my twin brother John came with his wife Jody. Once everyone arrived, Emma then instructed me to open the card that Tracy had given me at the start of my adventure. Once I opened the card, the tears began to fall.

The meal, as you probably guessed, was amazing and we had an incredible time! While sitting at the table with all my loved ones and taking the day in, I thought, what else could I ask for? The answer was NOTHING!

I want to thank everyone involved and assure you of my continued prayers for you. You all gave me a wonderful gift and I will be forever grateful.

Yours in Christ Jesus, Jude”

Medical Director for all the Heartland Hospice agencies in Minnesota, Dr. Nancy Miller, MD, talks about how the Minnesota hospice teams are supporting patients and their families during this difficult time.

Sue Kinderman had recently become a volunteer for Heartland Hospice Serving the Twin Cities. She signed up to volunteer in hopes of making a difference in the lives of others.  What she didn't anticipate was the profound impact that being a volunteer and interacting with hospice patients and their loved ones would make in her life. One particular event she recently experienced with a patient, Cindy, and her husband, Tim, was one that Sue will never forget.

“When Cindy turned sixty, she knew this would be her last birthday celebration, so she made a final wish: to surround herself with family and friends. Knowing her fondness for Elvis, Cindy’s brother agreed to play the part of the famous singer. Tim also had something special in mind. After forty years of marriage, he and Cindy, joined by their beloved dog, Dolly, would renew their wedding vows during the party.”

“While Tim called and invited their family and friends, Karah, a Heartland Hospice Social Worker, quickly arranged the party details. Several other Heartland members eagerly joined in to help fulfill the wish. Spiritual Care Coordinator, Bob, would perform the vow renewal ceremony. Volunteer, Loriann, would play her keyboard and sing some of Cindy's favorite songs. I would curl and style Cindy's hair. Music therapist, Iansa, would play her guitar and sing hymns chosen by Cindy and Tim. With plans finalized, everyone was ready for the party.”

“Too weak for me to curl her hair according to plan, Cindy lay peacefully on her bed in her sun-filled living room, nails freshly painted her favorite color, purple, the same color many guests wore in her honor. While Loriann's soothing music carried love throughout their home, friends and family continued to arrive, sharing hugs, thoughts, tears, and smiles. But most of all, sharing lots of love. And then in walked Elvis! Instantaneously, all faces wore smiles, but the biggest smile was Cindy's. She reached up as Elvis lowered his hug to meet hers.”

“The time had arrived for the special ‘I do's.’ Bob officiated, delivering compassionate dignity, as Tim held Dolly and tenderly cradled Cindy's hand. Afterward, hugs flowed and so did more smiles and tears. There was also a silence that filled the room, as guests searched through their emotions, trying to find words to describe the honor and beauty they had just witnessed. Then, Iansa began singing and sharing copies of the hymns so all could join in tribute. Later, some words came to mind and were shared: love, honor, dignity, compassion, care, support, beautiful, moving, incredible, grateful, and thank you. Tim shared that someone mentioned this should be done instead of funerals. I agreed.”

“Cindy and Tim's celebration changed my life. I have never witnessed such a beautiful display of love for one another and from one another. As I write this, now several weeks following Cindy's party and her passing, I am still trying to fully process the magnitude of Cindy's gift fulfilled. What I am certain of is the immense power love has when it is shared. I have to wonder if Cindy and Tim knew that their wishes for themselves would be so far-reaching. I couldn't be more grateful and thankful to Cindy and Tim for allowing me the privilege of sharing in their lives and in their love.”