105-year-old's birthday wish is granted with a splash
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NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Maid of the Mist has been sailing the rapids of Niagara Falls for more than 130 years and is a popular adventure for all ages.
For Emily Bula, her wish for her 105th birthday was to go on the Maid of the Mist for the first time -- and a day before her birthday, it was granted with a splash.
"She really soaked it up," said Kevin Keenan, spokesperson for the Maid of the Mist. "She just got a face full of water and she didn't mind; she just loved the experience and she was right on the bow of the Maid. And to see that joy in anybody's face, let alone someone who's 105 years old, is really fulfilling."
Bula, who is now a resident of Harris Hill Nursing Facility, reached out to the Maid of the Mist after hearing about her lifelong wish of going on the Maid of the Mist.
"They asked me what I would like to do. This is what I wanted to do, so I'm doing it," said Bula. "It's beautiful."
Her life has been full of humor, her love of dance -- especially polka dancing -- and helping others.
She had a chance to fulfill this wish alongside loved ones.
"She's thriving. She's doing better than people younger than her. She's amazing. She's a big help to other people and you can learn a lot from her, she's full of knowledge," said Staci Mercurio-Johns, Emily's niece, who traveled from Houston for Bula's birthday.
As for what keeps Emily young at heart? Keeping busy.
"Keep busy. Always have a project ahead of you. I never had time to die because I was always too busy," said Bula.