Wish comes true for Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh resident
Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh resident Paul Martin's dream of visiting his cabin in northern Minnesota will soon come true.
Martin — with his family by his side and with assistance from Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh's Dream Weaver Program — will travel to his lakeside cabin July 7.
In 1961, Paul and his wife, Mary Martin, visited Willow Lake with their four children. After falling in love with the look and feel of the remote location, Paul Martin bought a cabin on the lake.
Eight miles from the nearest town of Remer, Minnesota, the family returned to the small lake every summer, only missing twice in the 50-plus years since it was purchased. As their children got married, they began bringing their families, too.
And the rest, as daughter-in-law Jody Martin tells it, is history.
Paul Martin, who was a Presbyterian minister for more than 50 years, had one month off every summer, which he and Mary always spent at the cabin.
In summer 2013, he became disoriented and unable to speak. Jody Martin said the family still isn't sure exactly what happened, but it had something to do with dementia.
Paul and Mary Martin refused to leave the cabin early, but were forced to when she realized she couldn't take care of him herself.
The summer after, Mary Martin broke her hip and they were again unable to return. Jody Martin and the family realized their last memory of such a beautiful place might be tarnished, and she didn't want the couple to remember it that way.
So, Jody Martin made it her mission to get Paul Martin and the family up there again, "no matter the cost."
Paul and Mary Martin reside in different facilities at Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh. Paul Martin resides in Elijah's Place, an assisted living unit specializing in memory care, and his wife lives in Carmel Residence, independent apartment homes.
Mallory Mueller, registered nurse and manager at Elijah's Place, told Jody Martin about the Dream Weaver Program offered to residents.
"It was a wonderful surprise," Jody Martin said. "We were just beyond pleased that they were willing to make this dream happen and take care of the cost."
Any resident or family member can apply by filling out a form online. The program started in 2007.
Though the dreams can be anything the resident can think of, most are either lifelong dreams, relationship-based dreams, dreams to relive past experiences, dreams for fun or need-based dreams.
Mueller is driving to the cabin with the Martins to provide care for Paul Martin while he is there.
"I feel honored to have been asked," she said. "I think it's going to be wonderful to be included with part of the family."
Theresa Bertram, president and CEO of Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh, said having a dream is an important part of anyone's life, especially older people, because it gives them something to motivate and energize them.
"It isn't any different than a 5- or 6-year-old, the excitement and anticipation of having a dream fulfilled," she said.
Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh covers all costs of the trip, including the van they will drive there. They will spend three full days up at the cabin and a day each for driving there and back.
Because the cabin is outdated, Mueller said the couple is being checked into a hotel in a nearby town for the nights, but all days will be spent on the lake.
Jody Martin said she hopes for a relaxing few days where they can soak up some sun and enjoy the family time.
Her three children, the couple's grandchildren they are nearest to, are meeting them at the cabin. Two of Paul and Mary Martin's children will be there as well: Jody Martin's husband, Jed, their daughter, Laurie, and her husband, Richard.
"It's really quite a tribute to Paul," she said. "No matter what, we all wanted to make this happen."
Bonnie Behnke, director of development, said she loves the feeling of giving back to the residents.
"It's a pleasure and a privilege to be able to give residents their dreams," she noted, "like it would be to give anyone a dream and be a part of fulfilling them."
Reach Katy Macek at 920-426-6689 or kmacekalwe@oshkosh.gannett.com; on Twitter @KatherineMacek.