Thursday, March 10, 2011

Some Wishes Do Come True!

Do you ever think about what you would wish for if you were given one wish to make, and it would come true? I can think of lots of things that I would wish for.....but most of the things that I would wish for, would probably never come true. For example, one wish that I would love to come true is that Gavin could be healthy, able to walk and talk, and have a long and productive life. I would LOVE for this wish to come true! (Especially lately, since I've really been struggling with the life that has been given to Gavin and our family. Some days it's harder to accept this life than other days, and lately our situation has been a heavy burden to carry!) But, since this wish can't come true.....I am happy that there is an organization out there that grants wishes to families like ours!

The Make-A-Wish foundation of Michigan has granted a wish to Gavin, and to our family! Recently, two volunteers came over to our house to give Gavin this wishing box and a wishing wand, so that he could make his wish!



Since Gavin is unable to make a wish of his own, due to the fact that he can't speak, our family had to make a wish for him. We struggled with this decision. What would Gavin want?



The more I thought about it, and after talking with many people and the volunteers, we decided that Gavin wouldn't really wish for anything! Gavin is happy as long as he is with his family, and as long as he is feeling well! And, since there is no wish capable of making Gavin to always feel well, or a wish that could cure Gavin of of his heart disease, seizure disorder, lung disease, stroke, or low immunities.....the one wish that he would probably make is to have fun with his family!



Joel and I would have chosen for a ramp to be built for Gavin's wheelchair, or for a vehicle that would be more accessible for Gavin as he gets bigger.....but these types of wishes aren't available through M-A-W.....so we had to think of something fun instead! We actually felt guilty even making a wish, since Gavin won't get much out of the experience we are planning to have, but the volunteer reminded me that the wish was for the whole family. And, that M-A-W grants wishes to children who have a life-threatening illness....and this affects the entire family, so they want the whole family to gain happiness, knowing that raising a child like Gavin holds many hardships for all involved.

So, after much consideration..........



..........we chose to make a wish to go to Disney World!



And, we think that Gavin is happy with our decision!



Gavin loves to be with his family and he loves music.....so, what better place is there, than Disney?! I think that he will enjoy this time, and I'm quite confident that the rest of our family will as well! I've heard that they make everything easy for families that have special needs children.....and since going anywhere with a child like Gavin can be difficult, we are looking forward to a trip that we don't have to worry about all the little inconveniences that come from traveling with all of Gavin's gear!

"What do you mean all of my gear?! Why don't you tell them about how difficult it is to travel with my brothers?! They are the ones that cause all the chaos?!"



Gavin has a point here! :)

Whatever the case, we are all THRILLED with this opportunity, and we can't wait to find out when we are able to go!

Here is a picture of Gavin with his wish granters:



They were so nice and very helpful!

The uncertainty of living a life with a special needs child, especially one who has a life-threatening illness, can be a long road to travel. But, it is such a blessing that there are good people out there who understand the trials, and who want to help make this journey a more pleasant one! Thank you Make-A-Wish!!! We are so blessed to have your organization available to help brighten our lives!




"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves, We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." Psalm 100:1-3

18 comments:

Cari Weymouth said...

You guys will have such a great time. When do you get to go?

Marilyn Miller said...

What a beautiful story! Another chapter of memories is just ahead for you all....a chapter of smiles and relaxation! How blessed you are!
Make-a-Wish just moved up a step on my favorite charities to support. :)

Hope you get to go when it's still cold up north, so you will be treasure the Florida warmth even more than in a different season. :)

Marilyn

Stephanie said...

I didn't expect to be crying through this post!!

You all do deserve to have a fun time! You're going to the most magical place on Earth!!!
Lacey says things are fabulous there for "kids with gear".
I cannot think of a more deserving family! I'm so happy for all of you!

Unknown said...

This is so cool and your family really needs this. Go and have a GREAT time and may God go with you! Congratulations!

Annie said...

That is so great, Alicia! I'm excited for all of you! You will have a great time and make lots of wonderful memories. And I'm sure that when all of you are having fun, Gavin knows it and is even happier than he usually is!I hope you get to go soon!

Michelle said...

YAY! So happy for you. I think it will be awesoome for you all!

Lacey said...

I love the fact that I'm going to be able to fly with Jax and not have to worry about all his crap!
Now lets hope that something happens and you can go when we go!!

Missie said...

Oh Alicia, this post made me smile so big for ALL of you! I have to admit I did tear up as well, it is so nice to know that the wish has been granted! I cannot think of a more deserving family, and I hope that you all have a fantastic time on your trip!

Denise said...

You definitely deserve this!!! How nice to not have to be the one worrying about all the details for once. Hope you get to go sooner than later. Ella has been approved for a wish as well. But we haven't gotten to the discussing of what that wish will be yet :)

Hope said...

Yay! I hope you all have a great time!! You all need this!

Amy said...

Whaaahooooo! SO EXCITING! What a fun time this will be for the whole family. I'm so glad Gavin (and you!) have been honored in this way. Can't wait to hear more about it tomorrow when you visit Mr. Tate and me! YAY! xoxo

Heather said...

Awesome,awesome and really awesome!!!So excited for you all.

The quotes on the box made me cry.Especially the Emerson one ... one of my very favorites.

Your Gavin is one amazing little guy and your family,deserves every minute and every moment of this trip.Cannot wait to virtually tag along with you all!!

Inspired said...

That is very exciting!! You guys will have a GREAT time. And of course you all deserve this wish!

Lots of love,
Julie

xoxo

Angie Proudfit said...

Way too exciting!!!!!!!! Wow! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Emily said...

WooHoo!! I'm excited for your whole family, awesome! You all deserve it and I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience for each of you!

Simply, Sarah said...

I just saw your blog from another blog. You have a VERY cute little boy. :)

Jenkins said...

Congrats! You will have a wonderful time...the entire family will have a wonderful time. We loved our time.

Phyllis said...

just found your blog and wanted to say I can relate to so many of your thoughts and emotions. We did Disney through MAW in October. Pleased check out my blog for some pictures of our kiddos having a great time. I was so anti-Disney (don't ask me why-commercialism maybe) but had such a wonderful time. It is truly magical! GKTW is great-please feel free to email me if you have any questions about your trip. There are definitely things I can share with you regarding staying at GKTW and the trip.