Viewers Marvel At Patient's Face As She Witnesses 'Magical' Snowfall

Jan 22, 2021 by apost team

Every once in a while, it's important to do something — some favor or some gesture of kindness — for others. This is particularly true during difficult times, such as when someone is nearing the end of their life. That's why this story from December 2020 of one U.K. woman, Helen Kennaway, in hospice care is so magical. This uplifting video all came about thanks to a group of thoughtful caregivers and one woman's wish to relive a cherished childhood memory.

As life draws to a close, time becomes an even more precious commodity. Any activity is carefully measured against its impact on others and personal importance. For many people, this includes a renewed interest in the everyday pleasures of life. And that is certainly the case in this story, which took place on Dec. 9, 2020.

This uplifting episode takes us to St. Richard's Hospice in Worcester, United Kingdom, according to the below video's description. There, the hospice staffers do what they can to improve the quality of life of their residents. Since the end-of-life periods are filled with a lot of reflection, St. Richard's residents frequently express wishes for people, places and things they'd like to experience one more time. The staff at this compassionate residence seem to try their best to make such wishes come true.

Kennaway, one of the residents of St. Richard's Hospice, had a particularly festive wish — she wanted to see snow again.

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A snowy Christmas is undoubtedly a beautiful thought. Unfortunately, there's no way to make the weather cooperate. This is true for the day itself and the season leading up to it. The likelihood of a white Christmas is never 100%.

If Kennaway's wish were to come true, the staff would have to make it happen. But it seems like the staff members at St. Richards are dedicated, especially if their previous actions are of any indication. One post on the organization's Facebook page described staff members bringing a dying family member out to the garden to feel the sun. Another post describes nurses giving another patient a bubble bath. So when it came to Kennaway's request, the staff members at St. Richards got to work.

Technology can provide some pretty compelling images or virtual reality experiences. If all Kennaway wanted was to look at pictures, then that would be enough. Kennaway, however, didn't want to see the snow. She wanted to be in it. How could the nurse, chaplain and other St. Richard's staff members possibly create snow for this woman?

These days, snow is created on-demand all the time. Hollywood manufactures it to create realistic snow scenes with snow falling, accumulating and melting. Worcester, U.K. may be far from Hollywood, but the entertainment industry is not. It is everywhere, so there must be a way to make snow near Worcester.

Chris Lauriello is a professional children's entertainer. A glance at his biography page reveals that Lauriello has appeared at children's parties in roles ranging from a pirate to a fireman. He has even done so with a large snake wrapped around his neck! If it's what a child wants, then Lauriello has the means to provide it. This includes snow.

Lauriello has no problem creating snow on-demand. He owns a snow machine. This machine is portable and can be raised or lowered to have snowfall from whatever height is needed. Lauriello, however, didn't just loan the hospice his snowmaker. He came to the hospice and used his snowmaker to set the scene himself.

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Lauriello arrived at the garden of St. Richard's Hospice armed with a snow-making machine. The machine was black and a few feet long, but it left one special corner of the garden blanketed in white. It also left miles of smiles in its wake — from Kennaway to Facebook users who later commented on pictures of this lovely scene.

When Kennaway first saw the snow in the garden, the sight seemed to light up her face. Her eyes widened with sheer delight as she looked at the sight she had longed to see. She was likely enchanted by her Christmas gift, and her happiness spread through the air just as abundantly as the snow.

Kennaway's nurse completed the wintry scene with Christmas-themed scrubs peeking out from underneath a plastic healthcare gown, gloves and mask. She did one more thing to make this day even more special; she wheeled Kennaway's bed outdoors. Kennaway was now outside where she could see and feel the snow! Kennaway's face brightened even more.

Now that Kennaway and her helpful companion were outside in the garden, they could really experience the chilly treat. Right before her eyes, the air was filling with snow. The snow was landing on the ground and on Kennaway! It wasn't quite a sleigh ride, but Kennaway wasn't complaining. Kennaway seemed to have loved the Christmas fun!

After a video of Kennaway relishing her snow day hit the internet, St. Richard's Facebook page was inundated with comments and gratitude for everything the hospice does in the community. It truly warmed many hearts.

"Who saw our lovely clip of Helen enjoying her special wish for snow in the St Richard’s hospice gardens last week?" St. Richards asked their followers on their Facebook page. "We’ve been humbled by the reaction to the story, which has reached more than 100,000 people on our own social media and millions of others having been shared by news outlets across the world! It also saw supporters sharing some really moving stories about their experiences of our care; thank you to everyone who took the time to do so 💙  It is always our privilege to help make time spent at St Richard’s as personal and special to our patients and their loved ones as possible and, of course, none of that is possible without our incredible supporters."

Helen Kennaway is a resident at St. Richard's Hospice in Worcester, U.K. Shortly before arriving at the hospice, Kennaway told a family member that she wanted to go on a snowy sleigh ride. Chris Lauriello used a snow-making machine to provide Kennaway's much longed for snow in the hospice center's garden.

As you can see from this story, every person has at least one wish. When these wishes come true, every person has their own way of expressing thankfulness. Has someone ever made a wish come true for you or a family member? Let us know and be sure to pass this uplifting story on to others.