Bon Voyage Party

Jacob was referred to Make-a-Wish by his oncologist. We first met with Darla & Nathan (our Wish Volunteers) back in October. They interviewed him to find out all his favorite things and to hear some of his wish ideas. My son is FULL of ideas, but those of you who know him also know that he isn't a big talker. He answered most of their questions, but pulled a blank when they asked his ultimate wish.

We seemed embarrassed to ask for anything and he didn't really understand all the friends that the Make-a-Wish Foundation could pull together. He later told us that "it's a big decision." He had always mentioned to us that he would like to go to Disney World. He didn't really care about meeting a famous person. He's only ever been in California, Utah, & the interstate between the two. He doesn't even comprehend how many places there are to visit. He loves to swim, so anywhere with a pool would thrill him. He always wondered what it would be like to go in an airplane.

After Jacob had time to complete his chemo and think about his wish some more, sweet Darla & Nathan came to our home and re-interviewed him. This time he was prepared to really voice his desire to travel to Disney World. They set to work to see what could be arranged. They called Jon & I to confirm travel dates and then set up a Bon Voyage Party to present Jacob with his WISH.

It would have been nice to have all our family and all the friends that have supported us during Jacob's treatment over to our home to celebrate. As it was we had a few of our local friends who have spent Saturdays playing with Jacob during treatment or serving our family in dozens of ways. Our house was full of love.






After enjoying pizza & fruit & soda (all provided by Make a Wish), we gathered for the big announcement.

If you've ever watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition, you always know they are going to do something awesome. And they always go the extra mile. The family is always crying and they haven't even seen everything yet or had a chance to realize how truly great it is.

I felt a little something like that. They presented Jacob with a backpack full of travel toys for the plane. They arranged a shuttle to pick us up and take us to the airport. They arranged the flights to Orlando. They connected us with Give Kids the World who would provide our accommodations, meals, and present us with tickets to the theme parks.

*3 Day Hopper at Disney World (they actually have 4 parks within Disney World)
*2 Day Ticket to Universal Studios (they have 2 parks plus the CityWalk)
*1 Day Ticket to Sea World

If you do the math, that's SIX DAYS worth of tickets. We were only going to be there for 5 days plus 2 travels days. More to do than we could even pack in.

They provided Jake with a t-shirt & button that would work like an all-day FASTPASS. This was probably one of the kindest gifts for a family of 6 who were traveling with a toddler. No waiting in long lines.

All of this was more than enough. All of this was exciting enough. But they proceeded to present us with a check to cover any meals we chose to eat out, additional fees or tips, & souvenirs. This is where I turned into those families on tv crying like a baby. It was just too nice. It was just more than I would ever ask for or hope to receive.

But they weren't done yet. They had one last Big surprise. They arranged for a limousine to pick us up from the airport and drive us home. I was SO SURPRISED at how excited this made the kids. They couldn't stop talking about getting to ride in a limo.

So as I share the pictures and details of the trip over the next several days, please know that I wish to sing the praises of Make a Wish Foundation & Give Kids the World. They truly wrote the recipe for a trip of a lifetime.