A BELOVED grandfather has gone viral after being granted his dying wish of enjoying one final beer with his sons and grandsons.
87-year-old Norbert Schemm passed away on Wednesday, November 20, in a Wisconsin hospital surrounded by close friends and loved ones.
His grandson, Adam Schemm, took to Twitter to share a picture of Norbert on his deathbed, enjoying an emotional family reunion.
“My grandfather passed away today,” Adam wrote alongside the emotional image.
My grandfather passed away today.
Last night all he wanted to do was to have one last beer with his sons. pic.twitter.com/6FnCGtG9zW— Adam Schemm (@AdamSchemm) November 21, 2019
“Last night all he wanted to do was to have one last beer with his sons.”
The image sparked a huge reaction online, with more than 5,000 comments, 33,000 retweets and over 332,000 likes.
It also prompted an outpouring of emotion from others who went through similar experiences with a close family member.
One man recalled how he granted his grandfather’s dying wish of a cigar and beer…
I don’t know you... but I felt this. Days before my grandpa passed he let my dad and I know he wanted a cigar and a beer. We made it happen. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandpas smile is one for the books! pic.twitter.com/HDv3y2kLeA
— Ben Riggs (@RenBiggs) November 21, 2019
While another toasted their grandmother with a shot of Baileys...
My grandmom did the same thing but with shots of Bailey’s 😭💓 pic.twitter.com/LjSg757YIn
— gnocchi plate (@brussproutsrock) November 21, 2019
Speaking to the BBC, Adam opened up about the circumstances surrounding the viral picture of his grandfather.
"My grandpa had been relatively healthy over the course of his life but it was on the Sunday last week while he was in hospital that they realised it would be the end,” he said.
“He called his grandchildren to tell us on the Monday. We took the picture Tuesday night and then he died from stage four colon cancer on Wednesday."
"My dad told us that grandpa had wanted a beer and now when I look at that picture it gives me solace.
"I can tell my grandpa is smiling. He's doing what he wanted to do - it was an impromptu moment."
