WHEATON, IL - Never Too Late received a wish request from Diane S. after she had read about the non-profit organization in the May 2010 issue of Reader's Digest. Her stepfather Al is spending his final days in a nursing home in Wheaton, IL. His wish - to see a bald eagle up close because he has admired the majestic bird and what it stands for in America as a symbol of freedom for all.

NTL started work on the wish request by contacting 'Jungle John' with Silly Safaris in Indianapolis, who then put NTL in contact with someone in St. Louis, who led them to contacts with bird rescue groups in Illinois and Wisconsin. "Twelve calls later," said NTL founder Bob Haverstick, "and we connected with the goodhearted souls at SOAR Illinois (Save Our American Raptors, Inc.) who not only had a bald eagle that could be transported outside of their facility but were only one hour away from Wheaton, IL.  Coincidence? I think not!"

Family members and the caregivers at the nursing home were contacted and three days after the wish was submitted, SOAR and their raptors made the trip to Wheaton, IL to grant Al's wish.

"I just want to take a moment to thank you Bob," said Diane S., Al's stepdaughter in an email to Haverstick. "Mom said that everyone at the care center was ecstatic about the birds." 

In preparation for the arrival of SOAR, the nurses took extra special care of Al to make sure he was well rested the day before and prior to the visit from SOAR. "Mom said Al was very happy and that he was aware of the eagle and the birds," Diane said. "The eagle stayed next to Al the whole time and my Mom feels it is because the eagle knew Al's time was near." 

"This is one of those wishes where I stand back in awe," said Haverstick, "and look up and say, Thank you Lord for opening up the doors for this wish to happen before it was too late. "

Many staff members of the nursing home said that having Al's wish come true was one of the nicest things they have ever had at the facility. "The visit from SOAR brought a lot of joy to the other residents as well," Diane said. "This really meant a lot to my Mom too. What a blessing it was and what a blessing NTL is!"

 

By Denise Redmon, webmaster, Never Too Late