The Make a Wish Foundation does great things for perfectly fabulous kids. But now I understand the mission even better. It’s not just about the wish being granted. I always thought it was about the big reveal. But, it’s not, it’s about giving a child, a family, something to hope for, to pray for, to wish for; when the one thing they really want is unattainable.
Before we knew TJ was too young to make a wish, we sat around the dining room table one night, helping him toss his penny in the well. A few of the wishes: Disney of course, that one’s easy, every family with young kids would jump at the chance of budging in line and meeting princes and princesses. Then the sports wish, spring training in Arizona with the White Sox. Obviously that was Daddy’s idea. Kara suggested going to some tree somewhere down south to watch the butterflies migrate. I know, of course she did, lol! We were just getting warmed up. Yep, the next one involved Vegas, a cigar, a helicopter, and a lap dance. Let that one soak in for a while. We got hokey, a cure for Menkes. Charitable, a run sponsored by Fleet Feet to raise money and awareness for Menkes. And obvious, drop the puck at a Hawk’s game.
Families do need something to wish for when all their dreams are shattered; when all the maybes become no’s and the tomorrows aren’t infinite anymore.
Bonnie, a nurse at Children’s, asked me what I wanted for TJ now that his time was limited. I said I wanted him to have a quality life at home with his family, doing all the things we love to do. She said that was good, admirable, but not to forget to make some big memories. She said to think of all of the big things we dreamed of for TJ and to pack some of those in. She said to blow this year out of the water.
I’m not sure that’s going to happen. I’m not sure TJ’s comfort and Tom’s and my idea of blowing it out of the water align. But I think I might make a wish, take my penny and toss it in.
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You know that movie Funny Farm; at the end, when all their dreams have been destroyed by the worst town on the planet. Chevy Chase says, "We came to Redbud filled with hopes and dreams of a better life. And basically, we've seen those hopes and dreams crushed and battered before our very eyes." (I can sympathize.) They make a plea to the townspeople to become the small town of people’s dreams. Maybe that’s along the lines of my wish for TJ. Let’s sell it to him big!!! Let’s give him the LIFE magazine life. Let’s make his time here great.
Yes, I think that’s it. That is my wish for TJ. Let’s blow this one out of the water. "Cue the deer."
I love you little guy! Let your faith be bigger than your fears.