Dad Shares Final Beer With Sons in Photo Taken Hours Before His Death
By R.J. Johnson - @rickerthewriter
November 27, 2019
A father's final wish to share a beer with his three sons before his death from cancer has prompted an outpouring of support and love on Twitter, after the man's grandson posted the photo to Twitter. The intimate moment and display of love resonated with thousands of other users on the social media platform.
Norbert Schemm died last week after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. According to his grandson, Adam Schemm, the family gathered together in the hospital the night before Norbert passed away. The 87-year-old just had one final request: He wanted to share a beer with his three sons, Bob, Tom and John.
The photo shows the moment as Norbert, holding his wife Joanne's hand, and his three sons share two bottles of Bud Light.
Adam Schemm tweeted the photo out the very next day, writing: "My grandfather passed away today. Last night all he wanted to do was to have one last been with his sons."
My grandfather passed away today.
— Adam Schemm (@AdamSchemm) November 21, 2019
Last night all he wanted to do was to have one last beer with his sons. pic.twitter.com/6FnCGtG9zW
The moment resonated with hundreds of thousands of users, as the tweet went viral, racking up more than 329,000 likes and 32,000 retweets. The touching moment prompted other people to share their own final moments with loved ones, with one person sharing how he helped his grandfather have a final 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
My grandmom did the same thing but with shots of Bailey’s 😭💓 pic.twitter.com/LjSg757YIn
— gnocchi plate (@brussproutsrock) November 21, 2019
Did the same thing with my Dad in May. Cold beer and a Yankee game. My condolences pic.twitter.com/aNSULc7AT8
— Robert Dorsch (@RichterSupt) November 22, 2019
that’s exactly what my dad wanted too 💕😔
— 𝒶𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓃𝒶 🧚🏽♀️ (@_alainapetra) November 22, 2019
may your grandpa rest peacefully 💝 pic.twitter.com/G9E8evgbBt
I lost my grandpa a year ago. It took all his strength but we got him out to eat the best steak money could buy. Besides steak, all he wanted was a ‘Wisconsin’ Old Fashion and to try espresso for the first time. He was alive for one more night before he passed 7 days later. pic.twitter.com/eF2HagGcx4
— Michael Smith (@WIbikeGuy) November 22, 2019
"It just seemed like a really good family moment and you can kind of see the look and the smile on his face," Adam Schemm said, USA Today reported. "I can tell my grandfather's smiling, at least trying to. They all are accepting what's going to happen but they really cherish this last moment that meant a lot to them."
Norbert married his wife, Joanne 65 years ago and had four children over the course of their marriage. The three sons, and a daughter, Paula, who was behind the camera and took the photo.
"It's really good to talk about my grandfather and the life that he lived," Adam said. "He was such a kind man and had high integrity, high character.
"And I haven't taken off the notifications on my phone. I still like seeing those pop up and reading comments and all that type of stuff. It's comforting seeing the comments and what the photo has meant to people, and people who've had similar situations and it kind of just restores faith in humanity where a moment like this can connect people."