Back around Christmas time I mentioned in one of my Daily Dose columns about a little girl who is one of my youngest daughter’s best friends, that would be the girl named Willow. In talking with Shortie this weekend I asked her if she was going to visit with Willow over the weekend and how she is doing. Shortie was happy to report that Willow actually wasn’t home this weekend, which took me by surprise, sort of.
Normally when Willow isn’t home on the weekend it means she is at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston receiving some type of treatment for her cancer. The way that Shortie said it and the excitement in her voice told me though that she wasn’t at MDA for treatment, and I was correct.
Willow was the recipient of one of the Make A Wish outfits that provides terminally ill children with a once in a life time experience. This week it turned out that Willow and her family was able to go to Disney over in Orlando so Willow could experience Disney in all its wondrous glory.
Back at Christmas time it was questionable early in December if Willow would even be around on Christmas day to open presents. She is a frail little girl physically right now but she is mentally tough for a 10 year old fighting to stay alive. My wife said that at Disney there is a section of villas that are designated just for the Make A Wish children and their families to stay in. A car is also provide for each family so they have transportation, and each day a Disney princess makes a trip by the Villa to drop off a special gift for each the family.
All the transportation, park passes, lodging and food costs are covered by the Make A Wish folks. Willow and her family will be there for a week and I just absolutely think it is great that organizations like the Make A Wish organization exist. With the high cost of medical treatment now a days the furthest thing from anyone’s mind when facing such a dire situation is taking a vacation; worrying about paying for treatments is more the norm, even with the best insurance these types of situations can bankrupt a family in a heartbeat.
To be able to get away both mentally and physically from the current environment of hospitals, treatments, and home seems like a true blessing for her and her family. It also has lifted Shortie’s spirits as well; she is so happy that her friend will see it and experience the magic of Disney in person. Shortie can’t wait for Willow to get back home so she can hear all about it from her friend.
So it is good to report that Willow is strong enough right now to actually make the trip, had this been back at Christmas time I don’t believe there would have been anyway that she could have done it. Willow’s mother told my wife that the people at Disney have just been superb in making sure that everything has gone smoothly for them, so hats off to Disney for their attention to detail.
The next time you have an opportunity to contribute to a Make A Wish type organization please do consider it. I never thought that a trip like this would impact more than just the immediate family but in our case it surely has, I have never seen Shortie happier for someone than she is right now for her friend Willow. She cannot wait for Willow to return and share her stories of the trip.
Please keep Willow in your prayers for a safe trip, and a miracle recovery.
Until next time,
@sultnpapper
Thank you @sultnpapper for sharing this post with us. It warmed my heart reading about the love and excitement that your daughter has for her friend. I am sure Willow is happy to have her as a friend. I will definitely keep Willow in my prayers. I hope she is having a great time and that you will share her report on the experience with us. Thanks also to the Make a Wish organization for making Willow's dream come through. They are truly a blessing.
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Thank you for dropping in and your prayers and thoughts for Willow. I think it is a two way street for Shortie and Willow, they both have learned a lot through the illness about friendship and life.
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Yeah and that is great; we need more friendships like that.
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Thats greta Willow was able to make the trip and the Make aWish Foundation does such a good job as in Willows case and I am glad I can support them a little
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Yes, it is great that she was selected and that this organization exists. Worth supporting for sure.
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Great story. Willow and her family and Shortie and your family and one Curmudgeon in Arizona all affected by one Wish.
Thanks for sharing this.
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Thanks Tom. Glad you enjoyed this and glad I was able to report it.
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That's so sweet! I'm so happy for them that they were able to take a break.
'Survival mode' is a harsh way of life. When a family member is that ill you're all just trying to get through to the next day and everyone takes a lot of strain.
I saw recently that Make A Wish has teamed up with the internet show Good Mythical Morning which I watch every day.
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They surely need the break, it has been really a rough time for them. Thanks for stopping in.
Did you see that some Paki stole your purse picture on Sola?
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He shared my post and it links back to me so I'm not worried.
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So glad that Shorty's friend and her family had this wonderful break, will keep Willow in my prayers. We have the Reach for a Dream Foundation here in SA doing similar good stuff.
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thanks, much appreciated.
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I am so glad that Willow and her family can make this trip. It will provide a much-needed lift to spirits and give some joy where there are anxiety and worry. Kudos to the Make a Wish Fundations who provide these experiences for the children and their families. Disney is renowned for its attention to detail, so this week for Shortie's friend will be nothing but awesome.
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Yes, it puts a smile on some normally sad and worried folks. I just hope she has enough stamina to enjoy it and not get to worn out.
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