Once in a lifetime. A lifetime thus far that has had many trials. Once in this lifetime Ella gets to experience a part of life that would otherwise elude her. Her knowledge of herself, her disease, and her life is beginning to manifest itself in her reality. She asks many questions. She accepts many limitations...yet she smiles everyday. Her questions are pointed and our responses follow suit. Something different, however has happened. We asked Ella a pointed question...
"If you could have any wish, what would it be?"
After much thought she answered our question, "To sleep on a boat and visit a real beach."
Ella has been granted her wish through the "Make-a-Wish" Foundation. They will be sending our whole family on a Disney Cruise!! The prospect of such a trip is beyond our comprehension, to say the least. The excitement in this house is building; the anticipation is growing; the squeals of joy are increasing.
Make-a-Wish and those who are a part of it have shown us how spectacular they really are...and we haven't even left our house yet!! Our "wish grantors" entered our lives several months ago and since then have provided us with incredible enthusiasm, unprecedented support, and one surprise after another!
We leave on our trip in less than a week. The wish grantors came by our house to drop off some last minute details and the "make-a-Wish" shirts and pins we are to wear when on the trip. They also brought with them one of their special surprises...
Believe it or not the "Frozen" characters, Elsa and Anna, came with them to drop off gifts to the kids for their trip. The kids couldn't contain their excitement as Elsa and Anna walked up our driveway and sauntered into our house, bringing magic, smiles, and energy all at the same time. They spent their time talking, laughing, playing, and hugging our kids; giving them every reason to believe that wishes can come true...that wishes do come true.
This special trip promises to be incredible. Make-a-Wish has thought of everything. Limo pick-up, airport assistance, cruise amenities, port excursions, and untold magic that awaits is simply the tip of the iceberg. They are providing more than just a Disney Cruise, they are bringing joy to a little girl who fights every day to do what comes so easily for others; they are ushering in a experience that will live with Ella and our whole family forever...providing a time and place for us to enjoy one another, our life, and the beauty of God's world. To enjoy it with a weight being lifted.
An incredible organization brought into our lives by incredible people. Caring, loving, and selfless are the words that flow as we think of those who really are the organization known as "Make-a-Wish".
