HAVERHILL — Nancy Paradis was on top of the world as she looked out the windows of the "big rig" as it rumbled down the highway.
Paradis, 75, had long dreamed of driving an 18-wheel tractor-trailer, but sitting in the passenger seat of one was just as good, and it fulfilled her Tree of Dreams wish at Penacook Place rehabilitation and nursing home in Haverhill.
"I told my husband that someday I'd like to ride in one of these and here that day is," Paradis said as she sat in her wheelchair, waiting to be lifted into the cab of the kind of truck she'd long marveled at on long trips with her husband, Ken Paradis.
Those long road trips ended a few years ago for her after she suffered mild strokes and she had to undergo heart surgery. Since then she's been in rehabilitation as a resident of Penacook Place. Her husband spends most of every day visiting her and giving her encouragement to get strong and return to their home in Atkinson.
"We used to go to Florida for the winter, and on the drive down Nancy would say things like, 'I wonder if they are hard to steer' or if they have automatic transmissions or if you have to shift them," Ken Paradis said of her interest in tractor-trailers.
He spoke while he and his wife waited to board a 2003 Freightliner condo cab truck with a 48-foot trailer attached.
Ken Paradis, 78, paused to gaze at the former Lucent Technologies plant in North Andover, where the truck was parked. He worked at the plant for 35 years as a tool and die maker, then manufacturing technician before retiring in 1990. His wife was a registered nurse and worked at the former Hale Hospital until 1993. They were married in 1955 in Haverhill and raised three children. They have 10 grandchildren.
The ride was donated by New England Tractor Trailer Training School offered through Northern Essex Community College's Corporate and Community Learning Center at Osgood Landing in North Andover.
Penacook's Tree of Dreams is part of the nationwide organization called Second Wind Dreams. The philosophy is that you are never too old or too physically challenged to dream.
"We encourage our residents to let us know their dreams," said Rosanne Estep, Penacook's director of referral development. "Then we work with others to try to make that dream come true."
For Nancy Paradis, it was to experience the excitement of riding in a big rig.
"I just marvel at the way they get around," Nancy Paradis said.
"Are you sure you're ready for this? It's a big truck," said Tom Johnson, lead instructor for the training school.
"Don't put your trust in me," Nancy Paradis joked.
Ken Paradis told Don Lane, campus director for the driver training school, that "On the Road Again" was his and his wife's theme song.
"That's a big trucker song," Lane replied.
The couple was accompanied by Penacook rehabilitation therapist Beth Torla, who works with Nancy Paradis.
"This is the pride of our fleet," Johnson said as he turned onto Route 125 then headed north on Interstate 495 to Seabrook. The 90-minute round trip kept Nancy Paradis smiling the entire time.
Following close behind was another big rig carrying Estep.
When they arrived back in Haverhill and were waiting at a stoplight, Ken Paradis got out of his seat, took a few steps to the front of the cab and stroked his wife's hair.
"You don't say much, but I know you're enjoying this," he said tenderly. She turned, looked up at him and smiled.
They stopped in front of Penacook Place and were met by a crowd of cheering staff members.
Nancy Paradis waved and the truck continued on to Osgood Landing.
"There are some wonderful people in this world," Ken Paradis said about the people at the training school and the staff at Penacook.
Estep said other dream trips have included a double amputee going on a sea fishing trip, a woman going to Macy's at the mall in Salem for an Estee Lauder makeover, and Penacook residents going to professional baseball and football games.
Contributions can be made to Penacook's Tree of Dreams program, c/o Penacook Place, 150 Water St., Haverhill, MA 01830.
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