Manchester Woman’s Dream Comes True at the Field of Dreams

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jul 16, 2010 at 4:19 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 16, 2010 at 5:19 PM CST

DYERSVILLE, Iowa - In Field of Dreams, the main character builds the baseball diamond, and gets the chance to do something he never thought he’d have: to play catch with the ghost of his father.

On Friday, it was an elderly Manchester woman’s chance to do something she never thought she’d get again.

For visitors of all ages, there’s a certain magic that happens when they set foot on the Field of Dreams.

Manchester baseball fan, Mary Westhoff, has felt the magic many times.

Mary’s daughter, Sheri Arnold said, “She talks about baseball a lot. She’s always been a huge Cardinal fan.”

The 83-year-old suffers from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. She’s now in Hospice care.

Her nurses say what she wanted most was one last chance to run the bases, touch the famous corn and throw out a pitch. All while surrounded by her kids and grand kids.

Iowa Hospice Nurse Deb Howard said, “We try to help everyone get through the grieving process.”

Nurses say Westhoff’s typical days can be difficult.

But not today. Today she’s smiling. Today she’s feeling the magic.

Howard said, “That smile pretty much tells it all. She’s a great lady.”

High Five, Mary Westhoff, your dream has come true.

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