Shirley’s Special Wish Comes True
As a resident of Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Shirley Richtsmeier has meaningful experiences with friends, family and staff members, but she doesn’t often find herself in the company of her favorite animal. Shirley loves horses, regularly sharing stories about them with her St. Croix Hospice Chaplain, Wendy. And as Shirley is living in the final chapter of her life, she expressed her wish to interact with an equine friend one more time.
Enter St. Croix Hospice Care Transition Coordinator Kristin — owner of Freyr, a 29-year-old Icelandic horse named after the eponymous Norse god. In collaboration with Chaplain Wendy, Thorne Crest Activities team member Marilyn and the rest of Shirley’s St. Croix Hospice care team, Kristin was able to bring Freyr to meet Shirley. The experience was extremely special to Shirley and everyone else involved, bringing comfort, joy and endless smiles.
Thank you to all the dedicated individuals who helped make this possible. This seemingly small act made a world of difference and reinforces the heart of St. Croix Hospice’s mission.
