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