Farewell at the Traunsee: Gerhard's last wish came true

2023-08-07 14:44:00

Gerhard M. had little time left. Neither he nor the doctors at Linz’s Kepler University Hospital knew how much. But he wanted to use every minute that was left to him. With those he loved, in the place where he was comfortable.

Gerhard M., 46 years old and father of two children, was suffering from a brain tumor. Within a few months he was torn from his usual life and has been cared for in the palliative care ward of the Kepler Clinic since spring 2023. Daughter Luisa was only born in May 2021, the world of the family was initially colorful and happy before it collapsed. But M. still wanted to fulfill one of many wishes.

On July 19 of this year, the Kepler Clinic turned to the “Rolling Angels”. An association that fulfills the last wish of seriously ill people free of charge.

Emotional farewell at Lake Traunsee

M. wanted to go to the Traunsee. Barbecue with family, friends and relatives one last time, look at the water from the jetty, breathe in the fresh air.

The 46-year-old was picked up two days later. “Gerhard was excitedly waiting for our team and could hardly believe that his last trip would now be possible. He was proud of his family and spoke of them throughout the journey,” says the “Rolling Angels”.

50 friends, acquaintances and relatives welcome Gerhard M. on July 21st on the west bank of Lake Traun. They greet him with applause. On the Bräuwiese in Traunkirchen, Gerhard M. forgets his pain, smiles in all the pictures, talks to work colleagues, kisses his wife and daughter.

The tenant of the buffet on the Bräuwiese, Herbert Leitner, is moved by the scenery. He provides grill plates and drinks for 25 people.

“Would you like to give dad a kiss?”

Gerhard wants to enjoy the Traunsee and the Traunstein again for himself and his family. The jetty is cordoned off, Gerhard is taken out on the stretcher. All family members come out to him individually and say goodbye. Tears flow, all the other bathers refrain from jumping into the water.

“Everyone sympathizes with the family and would like to help make everything okay,” write the “Rolling Angels” in their report.

Then Luisa is carried by her mum to her dad on her arm. “Would you like to give Dad a kiss?”. Luisa lies down on her father, gives him a kiss and waves goodbye. Time flies too fast, the day is over, Gerhard M. has to go back to the hospital.

Gerhard M. died last Saturday 15 days after his last wish came true. For his family he has now become an angel himself.

Association Rolling Angels: