Glen Ellyn Veteran Granted Wish of a Lifetime to See Kerry Wood

Glen Ellyn resident and World War II veteran Jim Farrell wished for one thing: to reconnect with Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood.

In a special ceremony honoring other veterans on Tuesday, his wish was granted. 

For 25 years Farrell volunteered as an umpire's attendant at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs. During his time at Wrigley, Farrell became close with Wood. Every time Wood pitched, Farrell would write a 'W' on the baseball and left it on the mound for his favorite pitcher.

"The last time I saw Kerry Wood was the day I retired. I threw the first pitch out and he caught it, and he put his arm around me and we walked off the field together," said Farrell in this video. 

After leaving the organization, Farrell longed to reconnect with Wood. Through a non-profit organization honoring seniors, Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime, Farrell's wish will be honored. 

"They're going to spend time together reminiscing about the old days about what they experienced in the club house. We're all really looking forward to granting Jimmy's wish," said Jeremy Bloom. 

Farrell, 90, fought in World War II in the Battle of the Bulge. While on leave, he married his wife Eleanor, the next day he was summoned to return for duty, missing their honeymoon. 

Farrell returned to Eleanor's side after the war ended. During Farrell's time at Wrigley Field, Eleanor was never too far away. She sang at the Cubs' games with her group the Sweet Adelines. 

Farrell was unable to attend Tuesday's event but he'll get to reconnect with Kerry Wood at a later date.