Inspiring Stories

Helen Battle’s “Wish of a Lifetime” Granted!

By Pamela Hugi Wednesday, January 25, 2023 15 Comments Share This:

If you could have one wish granted, what would it be? For Helen Battle, 82, her wish was not just a dream come true, it was a challenge for herself. Helen has devoted decades of her life to helping others through local and international mission work. She is a caregiver as well as a breast cancer survivor who has often prioritized the needs of others over her own. With her wish, Helen wanted to put aside her stage fright and fully embrace her life-long love of music by singing a solo for the first time in her life.

And with the help of our friends and fellow charitable affiliate of AARP, Wish of a Lifetime, that is exactly what happened last December.

What was the process of having your wish granted through Wish of a Lifetime?

After I attended a Senior Planet event about Wish of a Lifetime (WOL), I applied and got to talk with the team. We talked about how I’ve always enjoyed music, but I’ve never sung solo. We kept kicking that idea around and the next thing I knew I was thinking of Tony Bennett’s song, “Because of You” and I thought, “Yeah I think I can do this!”

Preparing for the show ignited my new season of life. I obtained a few voice lessons from Mary and Winston Rhodes who inspired and motivated me. It was a challenge – which is something that I seem to enjoy In life. And the next thing you know WOL had found the most wonderful group of performers of the “Bethesda Little Theatre” ensemble who agreed to include me in their “Holiday Dreams” event on December 3, 2022.

How did it feel to perform a solo for the first time in your life?

I auditioned at one of the ensemble’s rehearsals and they made me feel so welcome, but I was still nervous because I’d never sung solo in front of a group of people before. I’d never even held a portable microphone before that day! But once you’re out there, you say, “Let it rip!” This is once in a lifetime, my wish of a lifetime, I’m just going to do the best I can.

Photo curtesy of Wish of a Lifetime from AARP.

How has having your wish granted affected you?

It has re-established my love of music and how much it affects my mental attitude. I look forward to connecting with a group who sings only Hymns and maybe a few praise songs. I am excited and feel purpose driven, necessary and alive again.

I keep thinking, “Look at you lady! You’re 80 plus and God is not through with you yet.”

Any words of encouragement for people who might want to apply to have their Wish of a Lifetime granted?

My pastor would preach, “Do it scared!” Fear is what keeps us from enjoying things that are available to us. That’s my mission right now – to try and encourage older people who think that’s it’s over that there is so much more you can do.

What does Aging with Attitude mean to you?

It means making the impossible possible by eliminating doubt and fear.

Have an idea for an experience-based wish, either for yourself or for another older adult? Click here to learn how to apply to have your wish granted!

COMMENTS

15 responses to “Helen Battle’s “Wish of a Lifetime” Granted!”

Carol Fisher:

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 7:57am

February 15, 2023

Dear Helen:

I wish I could have heard you sing. You also looked beautiful.

Carol Fisher

Reply to Carol Fisher
Ginger D Graham-Murphy:

Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 10:59pm

Congratulations on making your wish of a lifetime come true. May God bless you with many more opportunities to see dreams come to life. I wish I could have been there to see your performance.

Love and Blessings always

Reply to Ginger D Graham-Murphy
1. Helen Battle:
  
  Monday, February 13, 2023 at 8:12pm
  
  Love you all. Thank you for loving me. I feel the love of my family I am grateful.
  
  Reply to Helen Battle
Bonnie Sparks:

Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 6:34pm

I am so very proud of my mom, Helen, and am excited for her in being granted her wish of a lifetime! She is truly an inspiration to our family and we all are sharing in her dream. We love you, mother, always!!!

Reply to Bonnie Sparks
1. Helen Battle:
  
  Monday, February 13, 2023 at 8:07pm
  
  Love you all. Thank you for loving me. I feel the love of my family I am grateful.
  
  Reply to Helen Battle
Arthur D Glover:

Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 7:32pm

We were so happy to have Helen Battle participate in our Holiday Show. Her performance of Because of You was superb. She was a hard act to follow. We’d love for you to come sing with us again.

Reply to Arthur D Glover
1. Helen Battle:
  
  Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 2:11pm
  
  Thank you Arthur Glover for your kind words. It is still somewhat unbelievable the way my world seems to be spinning in such a positive direction. I do plan to again with the BLT you all are such a warm, fun and friendly group.
  
  Reply to Helen Battle
Cleta Bradwell:

Monday, February 6, 2023 at 7:10pm

A smile is worth a thousand words – just look at Ms. Helen. Absolutely love this story.

Reply to Cleta Bradwell
1. Helen Battle:
  
  Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 2:18pm
  
  Thank you Ms. Cleta for your observation — I couldn’t keep myself from smiling. I felt so good stepping out of my comfort zone. ☺
  
  Reply to Helen Battle
Loretta Campbell:

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 8:13pm

This story is perfect. Thank you for sharing it. What a wonderful organization.

Reply to Loretta Campbell
1. Helen Battle:
  
  Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 5:04pm
  
  I agree Loretta. It is a wonderful opportunity to feel necessary and to know that people are still listening. Thank you for your sharing. This is a wonderful organization!
  
  Reply to Helen Battle
Margie:

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 6:58pm

Awesome! What an excellent story of inspiration! Congratulation, Ms. Battle! Sing out and enjoy!

Reply to Margie
1. Helen Battle:
  
  Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 5:06pm
  
  Thank you, Margie. It is my plan to sing out.
  
  Reply to Helen Battle
Lurlene Adams:

Friday, January 27, 2023 at 7:57pm

That’s precious! I’m happy for Ms. Battle to have her wish come true, and I applaud Senior Orbit for caring enough to make seniors dreams reality! Great initiative!

Reply to Lurlene Adams
1. Helen Battle:
  
  Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 5:14pm
  
  Lurlene Adams thank you. It is a wonderful feeling to know there is an organization that highlights seniors and support them as they continue to advance and strive for inspiring other aging adults! It’s not over till it’s over!
  
  Reply to Helen Battle