Heartwarming: 100-year-old woman sees ocean for first time
Ruby Holt had seen a lot of things in her 100 years on this earth. But in all that time, there was one thing she had never experienced -- seeing the ocean.
Holt spent most of her life on a farm in rural Tennessee, picking cotton and raising four children. But this month, just a few weeks shy of her 101st birthday, Holt finally got the chance to see the ocean.
"I've heard people talk about it and how wonderful it was and wanted to see it, but I never had the opportunity to do so," Holt told the Associated Press.
Her all expenses paid trip to the Gulf of Mexico was covered through a partnership between her assisted living center, Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, and the Wish of a Lifetime organization, which grants wishes to the elderly.
Debbie Surgeon and Tracy Marcy, two workers at Holt's assisted living home, helped fill out the application, and Holt's wish was granted in early November. The trip was planned so Holt could see the ocean before she turns 101 on December 13.
Watching Holt gingerly dip a toe into the water and then enjoying the peaceful waves is a heartwarming moment.
Check out Holt's journey to the ocean in the gallery above and video below.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
