John Sweitzer turned 91 years old on March 21st—and this year, his birthday came with a beautiful surprise that brought him to tears.
It’s been ten years since John last saw his hometown of Boone, nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Now a resident at New Bern Older Adult Housing (NOAH), John relocated to New Bern to be closer to his oldest son. While he’s grown fond of life at NOAH, part of John’s heart has always remained in Boone.
“I miss my church and my friends,” he shared, when asked what he missed most.
John often speaks with warmth and nostalgia about his years in Boone—the town where he was born and raised, made lifelong friends, married twice, and laid both beloved wives to rest. It’s where his roots are. And for years, he’s held on to one quiet hope: to return, just one more time.
After hearing John’s heartfelt stories, Lisa Carroll, Service Coordinator, nominated him for the Grant a Dream™ program, an initiative by the EveryAge Foundation that helps seniors relive meaningful experiences and pursue cherished dreams. Working behind the scenes with John’s son, the team at NOAH—owned and operated by EveryAge—sprang into action.
On April 2nd, surrounded by four of his closest friends, John received the surprise of a lifetime. Adela Wardlow, Director of Communications at EveryAge, joined the NOAH team to reveal the dream. John was all smiles, trading jokes with his friends as he opened a gift basket full of travel-themed clues. Then came the moment: a sign that read “Congrats, You’re Going to Boone!”
John paused, overwhelmed, eyes welling with emotion. “This is a dream… it’s beyond a dream,” he said, his voice catching as he thanked the staff and especially Lisa for always having faith in him.
With the support of EveryAge and NOAH, John’s dream is now a reality. In mid-May, he and his son will make the trip to Boone together. A two-night hotel stay, dinner, and gas money have all been arranged. Most of all, John is excited to visit his old neighborhood—and hopefully reconnect with some familiar faces.
What may seem like a simple trip to many is, for John, a deeply meaningful return to his roots.
The Grant a Dream™ program is all about celebrating the passions and memories that shape our seniors’ lives. By honoring these dreams, EveryAge brings joy and dignity to those they serve.
“At EveryAge and NOAH, we are dedicated to supporting dreams and making a positive impact in our communities,” said Wardlow.
For information about the EveryAge Foundation and how you can help grant a dream, click here.