Conley Murray has always loved adventure. In fact, as one of our home hospice patients, he recently talked with his Hospice Care Plus chaplain, Sally Shepherd, about the adventures in his life. At one point, Sally asked him what adventures he still has on his bucket list.

Because you never stop dreaming and hoping, even, or maybe especially, when you know you’re in your final months of life.

Mr. Murray had a quick answer.

“I’d love to go up in a single-engine plane,” he told her. “That would be so much fun.”

Sally wasted no time. She contacted Eastern Kentucky University’s aviation program. They gave her the name of one of their graduate pilots, Corey Oney. Not only did Corey agree to take Mr. Murray up in his plane, but he donated the fee. Next, Sally contacted the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond, where Corey’s flight would originate. They, too, were on board with the idea, and donated the airport’s fees.

On Tuesday, August 8, 2017, Mr. Murray’s dream came true. Corey helped him into the small craft, and they took off into a beautiful blue sky. They spent 40 minutes or more exploring Madison County from the air, including a flight over the Pinnacles in Berea.

When they returned, and after a delicate dance to help him out of the plane, Mr. Murray had an enormous smile and a few words.

“That was so much fun!” he told everyone gathered, as he distributed warm hugs to his Hospice Care Plus team, friends, and family.

His wife, Mrs. Murray, captured her feelings in a tearful moment just after takeoff, flanked by Mr. Murray’s hospice nurse, Connie, and his hospice social worker, Kristy.

“I think it’s wonderful, isn’t it? Just wonderful. That’s his dream. He’s always wanted to do this, and I’m so happy.”

Our thanks to EKU for sending us in the right direction, to the incredible Corey Oney, who was so gracious and kind, and to Central Kentucky Regional Airport. Our deepest gratitude for helping us grant another bucket-list wish and helping a special gentleman have another taste of adventure.