How many times have we all looked into the night sky and made a wish on the first star? Do we ever really think they will come true? Thanks to Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime wishes do come true for many low income seniors and it is wonderful to be a part of it all. It is inspiring.

I think about how hard life is for so many people, yet so many of the senior citizens JBWL work with spend their time giving to others. When you read their wishes you are immediately touched by the selflessness and giving nature of these seniors. They wish for to learn to fish, go on a shopping spree, get a computer for school, skydiving, drive a race car or get a recliner. These are not extravagant, outlandish wishes but rather simple wishes. Again, it is inspiring to be part of an organization that fulfills the dreams of individuals so deserving.

And I am inspired by two very important seniors in my life: my mother Pat and our family friend Ron. When my mother was my age she had five children, an seriously ill husband and she never missed a beat. I think about that often and wonder if I could do the same. Now she has six beautiful grandchildren and again, she doesn't miss a beat. My family is lucky to frequently have three generations at the table and my mother continues to provide the strength that has always kept us together.

Ron was my father's best friend in medical school. Little did he know that he would become a part of our family. His friendship has never wavered and he has provided me with great guidance through the years. It is the time I spend with him that grounds me and encourages me to move forward.

I want my mother and Ron to have everything they wish for in these golden years. Simply put, they deserve it. And so do the many other seniors that have worked hard, that continue to work hard and that devote their time to others.

I have devoted my career to working in nonprofits as a fundraiser, event planner and director. I have worked at the National MS Society, Hastings Center, Tyler Hamilton Foundation, Portland Stage Company and Moving to End Sexual Assault. It is an honor to continue the journey with Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime.

It is inspiring and I hope you join us along the way.

Deirdre Moynihan
Executive Director
Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime
deirdre@seniorwish.org