One Last Wish, One Unforgettable Day in Amsterdam
Sometimes, the smallest moments can mean everything. At the request of the Salvation Army, WensAmbulance Utrecht recently helped fulfil the final wish of a man who had lived an eventful life. His wish was simple, but deeply personal: to smoke one last joint at The Bulldog on Leidseplein in Amsterdam, a place filled with memories from earlier years.
It was the place where he used to spend his weekends, enjoying Amsterdam, its energy and its sense of freedom. He wanted to experience that feeling one more time.
Back to a Place Full of Memories
The day became even more special because it was also his 51st birthday. WensAmbulance Utrecht picked him up in Baarn in an ambulance decorated for the occasion and brought him to Amsterdam. At The Bulldog Palace, we welcomed him with open arms.
He was able to sit on our terrace, enjoy a joint and take in the atmosphere of a place that had meant so much to him. The joints were on the house, ofcourse, and when he wanted to buy a few extra to take home, we gave him those as well.
For a moment, everything else faded into the background. There was no illness. No thought of what was coming next. Just a man enjoying Amsterdam and reconnecting with memories of a time when life looked very different.
Making Moments Matter
We gave him an Original The Bulldog T-Shirt. His response was both beautiful and heartbreaking:
“I’m going to wear this shirt in my coffin, and at my funeral I want them to play ‘Bloed, Zweet en Tranen.’”
Words that gave the day an even deeper meaning.
There was laughter. There were moments of silence. There were memories, stories and emotions. But above all, there was life.
At The Bulldog Foundation, we believe that making a difference does not always require something big. Sometimes it means creating space for one meaningful moment. A moment of freedom, recognition and happiness when it matters most.
We are grateful that we could play a small part in making this wish possible, together with WensAmbulance Utrecht and the Salvation Army.
Because sometimes one afternoon can bring back a lifetime of memories. And sometimes the greatest gift is simply giving someone the opportunity to be themselves, one more time.
A day we will not forget. 💚