PORTLAND – Seaside Health Care resident Ed Cloutier, 59, recently had his wish to go deep sea fishing granted through the Maine Health Care Association’s Live Your Dreams program.

Cloutier’s three-hour mackerel fishing adventure was shared with his son Jeff Cloutier and personal caregiver Jin Culver. The outing was hosted by Odyssey Whale Watch on Commercial Street.

It had been nearly a decade since Ed Cloutier, an avid fisherman, had enjoyed his hobby.

Cloutier noted that he “never had to tell a big fish story” as he always “caught something worth talking about.”

This trip was no exception, yielding a mackerel catch that Seaside Health Care staff helped Cloutier clean and grill for lunch the next day.

Cloutier’s dream request was donated by Odyssey Whale Watch and his wish was submitted to MHCA’s Live Your Dreams program by the staff of Seaside.

According to the nursing home’s activities director, Amy Stilphen, “Mr. Cloutier is a career Army man who served his country well during the Gulf War. He is the type of person who never asks for anything. He loves fishing and this has been a wonderful opportunity for him.”

Live Your Dreams is designed specifically to encourage and help Maine’s long-term-care residents realize their hopes and dreams at any age, despite health challenges. MHCA member facilities submit requests to the program on behalf of their residents, but ideas and wishes must be meaningful to the resident and come specifically from them.

Examples of dreams are relationship-based wishes or lifelong aspirations like learning to dance, riding in a race car, riding in a hot air balloon, or going to a sporting event.

Dream fulfillment is made possible through a combination of long-term-care facility staff and volunteer support, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations of time and resources.

For more information about the program, please contact MHCA at 623-1146.