If ever there was any proof that love has no boundaries, it would have to be Sharon and Gordon’s love story. This story was first published in the Serenity Hospice Journeys Summer 2009 Newsletter. We’d like to thank Serenity Hospice for graciously giving us permission to post it here for your to read. We are sure you will find this very heartwarming. Please let us know what you think of it. Thank you.

Fulfilling A Lifelong Dream

Serenity Helping Hands in conjunction with Shangri-La Corporation set out to help two individual’s dreams come true. Shangri-La is known for its care and support to individuals with Developmental Disabilities. One individual on hospice, Sharon, has been with Shangri-La for over 25 years. During this time, she fell in love with a man named Gordon. Gordon and Sharon have now been together for over 25 years while within the Shangri-La Corporation. Awhile back, Sharon boldly sent a letter to Jan Kral, Shangri-La CEO, requesting that she and Gordon be allowed to live together because they “do great coffee together.” Shangri-La arranged for the cute couple to live with each other.

When asked what her dream was, Sharon declared that she wanted to be together with the man of her dreams, Gordon. Serenity Helping Hands and Shangri-La set out to make this commitment a reality for Sharon. Each member of the Serenity Hospice and Shangri-La teams instantly became commitment ceremony planners. The lifelong “dream” was quickly being formed into a reality. Invitations were sent, supplies donated, a beautiful dress was made by a very close friend of Sharron, cake was prepared, and matching silver bracelets were purchased by Shangri-La. It was time to throw a commitment ceremony.

On the day of the ceremony, Gordon and Sharon were anxious for the excitement to begin. Guests were eager to see what Sharon was going to look like. Her hair was being done up just perfectly, and besides wearing a beautiful dress, she was wearing a smile that was even more delightful. She was experiencing what it is like to be a queen. It was Sharron’s day.

Guests had arrived. Chairs filled the area to where there was standing room only. Coffee was hot and ready. Gordon waited with patience and a smile. The music began. Sharon was wheeled down the aisle with a grin from ear to ear. She looked as beautiful as Gordon has always thought she was. The hard work of planning paid off. Jan Kral shared inspired words and stories to help the two understand the special nature of this commitment to be together. Simple words from Sharon, “I love you because you are my man!” were spoken by Sharon’s Care Giver, Kristina. Gordon shared his love by a tender kiss and an “I love you.”

Care Giver and House Manager, Bonnie Erickson stated with tears in her eyes, “All I can really say about this is, it was her dream come true.” Serenity Helping Hands wants to thank Shangri-La Corporation, Anderson McIlnay Florist, Party City, A to Z Party Rental, Serenity Hospice Staff, and others who donated time, money, and supplies to helping this lifelong dream become a reality.

-by Brandon Hoopes, MSW and Kari Regas, RN
(published with permission from Serenity Hospice)

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