Friday, August 3, 2001

Dreams come true for Christian City residents

Floyd Morris, 85, thought he was dreaming when he saw the shiny scooter in front of him.

He quickly realized it was a reality, and one that he had been wishing for.

Morris, who is confined to a wheelchair, loved serving as a Bible study teacher at Christian City in Union City but had to give it up because he lacked the upper body strength to wheel himself to the chapel.

He dreamed of owning a new scooter that would allow him to be mobile and teach again.

Morris' dream was fulfilled last week when Second Wind Dreams, an Atlanta-based, national nonprofit organization, fulfilled several wishes for numerous seniors at Christian City, a retirement community in Union City.

Second Wind makes dreams come true for elder care community residents to enhance their quality of life, to improve the perception of aging, and to celebrate the vitality of the human spirit.

"My whole dream is to get back into the ministry. This scooter is giving me back my life," said Morris. "Helping people gives me great joy."

Anita Maassen, who is unable to speak due to a stroke, also had her dream come true when she was presented with a new walker. As she replaced her rusted, old-fashioned walker with her new "Cadillac" walker, a look of joy overcame her face.

"Second Wind's generosity has meant so much to our residents here. These gifts and thoughtfulness will continue to keep our residents' spirits lifted," said Lillian Ansley, vice president for marketing and development at Christian City. Christian City is a nonprofit, non-denominational organization founded in 1961.

The campus includes independent living retirement homes, Sparks Inn Assisted Living and Personal Care facility, the Convalescent Center, Alzheimer's Care Center and a Home for Children all on over 400 acres of land.

Denise Griffith, who lives in the Christian City Convalescent Center, has always dreamed of being a model on a photo shoot. She was surprised with a complete beauty treatment, including a trip to the hairdresser and makeup artist. For her 'photo shoot,' she was given a new outfit to wear.

"I feel like a new person. I have always wanted to be treated to a special day and feel like a model," said Griffith.

Elma Stallings, a self-taught artist, is getting her dream come true when she is treated to a day at the High Museum of Art. She also was recognized at a special showing of her paintings last week during the Second Wind Dreams conference. Another resident, Ollie Berry, who suffered a stroke, will get to drive again. Shannon A-1 Driving School in Union City has offered to supply Berry with a car and an instructor for driving lessons for one last time behind the wheel. When asked what that will mean to her, Berry said, "It would mean everything to me if I got to drive again. I miss that more than anything."

Second Wind Dreams fulfilled more than 22 dreams in 26 hours on Christian City's campus during a two-day visit and conference.

"This is truly an example of giving to others who are less fortunate and those who are not able to do the things they used to do," said Ansley. "One of our resident's simple dreams was to have homemade ice cream just like she had when she was a child.

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