A dying father and his sons drink a farewell beer to fulfill his dying wish.
Many men like to remember their first beer with their father. But for a family, the last drink was the most important.
How would we spend our last minutes of our lives if we knew they were our last? We’ve all asked ourselves this question before. Norbert Shim, an 87-year-old Wisconsin man, like so many others, wanted to die surrounded by his loving family.
Instead of a tearful goodbye, he wanted it to be a happy memory for everyone… so he gathered his kids to enjoy their last pint with him.
The grandfather spent a week in the hospital in 2019 battling stage 4 colon cancer. As his condition worsened, he realized his time was up, so he called his family together about a cold.
While it can be difficult to endure the death of a loved one, sharing one last happy moment with them meant a lot to the family.
“I know it was a very special family event for everyone,” grandson Adam Scheme told CBS News. “The look on everyone’s faces is priceless; they are all smiling, including my grandfather.”
“He does what he wants,” he told the BBC. “Seeing this photo gives me relief.”
It’s a beautiful photo, but Adam was hesitant to share the story online because it was a special family affair. But the news quickly spread when he did… and encouraged others to share their last memories of their drink with a loved one:
My grandfather passed away today.
Last night all he wanted to do was to have one last beer with his sons. pic.twitter.com/6FnCGtG9zW
— Adam Schemm (@AdamSchemm) November 21, 2019
Adam was glad he told his grandfather’s story because of those stories and their sympathy for them.
He told the BBC: “He seems to have touched on his sense of community and certainly a moment that a lot of people can relate to.” “I thought people I knew would be interested in seeing her and answering her, but I had no idea how many people she had helped.”
His grandfather is said to have appreciated his grandfather’s widespread fame, which lasted until 2019.
I don’t know you… but I felt this. Days before my grandpa passed he let my dad and I know he wanted a cigar and a beer. We made it happen. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandpas smile is one for the books! pic.twitter.com/HDv3y2kLeA
— Ben Riggs (@RenBiggs) November 21, 2019
“It would have made him chuckle,” Adam remarked. “I feel the most important lesson to be learned is to “be kind, love each other, and that family matters,” as my grandfather would say.
While losing a loved one is always difficult, having positive memories to reflect on might help. It’s incredible that this family was able to create one last fantastic memory in their saddest hour.
Please share this wonderful tale!
