Here’s Roberto. He’s a Vietnam veteran who was wounded on May 21st, 1970. Injured from a shot, he would eventually be paralyzed.

Recently, his health had worsened dramatically. With organ failure, he had a dying wish – to see two of his closest friends.

Photos By Photographer Lupe Hernandez and the family of Roberto

Rosario Gonzalez, wife of Roberto, knows the relationship between her husband and his horses very well. “Horses are his life. We’ve been training and raising horses for over 30, 40 years… My husband was one of the only handicapped or paralyzed licensed horse trainers in Texas,” said Gonzalez.

While in the hospital, he was being treated for a wound on his back. However, with liver problems and kidney failure, Roberto would rather check on his two horses, Sugar and Ringo, before he passed. He had missed them.

Roberto’s family then reached out to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital for his last wish. They agreed to help.

Photos By Photographer Lupe Hernandez and the family of Roberto

His eyes had been closed for a while, but when the horses came up, he actually opened them. Sugar and Ringo came close to Roberto, gently touching him.

Photos By Photographer Lupe Hernandez and the family of Roberto

“I think they were actually kissing him,” said Gonzalez. Roberto no doubt had a sense of peace as they touched.

Animals can provide so much solace for people. Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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