Lasting Wish: A Day with Dolphins

A Lasting Wish: One Family’s Unforgettable Day at SeaWorld San Antonio

For hospice patients and their families, every single moment counts. For one special mother, Tammie, and her adult children, a lifelong dream to interact with dolphins recently became a reality, proving that hospice care is about so much more than medicine—it is about honoring life, preserving dignity, and celebrating connection.

The Family’s Gratitude

“Our family will be forever grateful to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation and SeaWorld San Antonio for making one of my mom’s dreams come true,” shares her daughter, Shera. “Through their incredible ‘Lasting Wishes’ program, they coordinated an unforgettable day for my mom to interact with the dolphins.”

As a generous in-kind gift to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation’s Lasting Wishes program, SeaWorld fully covered the experience for the entire family so they could all be there to share the precious moment together. “They gave our family something that can never be replaced—beautiful memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives,” Shera says.

Her son, Dallas, recalls how deeply meaningful the ocean was to his mother. “She used to always tell my siblings and me about her time in Florida and around the ocean, and how much it meant to her. Above all else, she cherished making memories and spending time with family. This was a wonderful experience.”

Misty, Tammie’s daughter, remembers the pure magic of the day: “Seeing the joy and love in my mom’s eyes was truly priceless. She smiled, laughed, and felt so loved throughout our visit. While every part of the day was amazing, the most meaningful gift for me was having our entire family together with my mother.”

A Beautiful Reminder for Caregivers

The day wasn’t just impactful for the family—it deeply touched the Elara Caring Hospice staff who walk alongside them.

“It was an honor to be part of this special experience,” says Vero, Home Health Aide for Tammie. “Seeing our patient’s smile during the dolphin show was a beautiful reminder that moments of joy and connection matter at every stage of life.”

For Vero, the day perfectly captured the heart of her daily mission. “This experience showed me that hospice is about so much more than medical care. It is about honoring a person’s wishes, preserving their dignity, and creating meaningful memories for patients and their families. I am grateful to be part of a team that makes moments like this possible.”

Thank you to SeaWorld San Antonio for their incredible in-kind donation, in partnership with the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, for their collective dedication to bringing so much light, comfort, and joy to the families they serve. This Day with Dolphins truly made lasting memories!