I know I haven't talked much about Gabe's Wish, but shortly after his 3rd birthday, we contacted the
Make-A-Wish Foundation to see if Gabe was eligible for his very own wish.
Soon thereafter, we were contacted by the Mid-Atlantic region volunteer coordinators and the ball started rolling on choosing a wish for Gabe! We were unsure what to choose for Gabe, and tossed around a few ideas, including
(1) trip to a Steelers game including meeting a player... we all agreed this probably wasn't the best for Gabe although Shaun and I would really enjoy it :)
(2) adapting our mini-van to wheelchair accessibility.... Make-A-Wish seemed to think this may not be the best idea, because if the van were to get totaled, they could not redo the van or another wish
(3) A trip to the one and only Walt Disney World in Florida for our family... the more we thought about it, the more we realized we would probably never get this oppportunity to do this as a family without the help of Make-A-Wish, and it would be a once in a life-time experience for Gabe and our family.
My biggest hesitation with the Disney World trip was wondering how we would be able to travel there. I did NOT want to fly... no way, no how. I am not a happy or willing airplane traveler myself, and adding to that, our girls have never flown, and I didn't even know how it was possible to travel with Gabe and all his "stuff" aka medical equipment on an airplane. On the same note, we could not drive all the way down there in our van with the 5 of us plus Lisa because there's just not enough room. (Last year when we went to Orange Lake, we took two mini-vans in order to transport everything!)
Then Lisa told us about how she and her family took the train (Amtrak) down to FL when her daughter got her Wish granted a number of years ago, and the train even transported their van! So that was our solution - we will be taking the Auto Train down to Orlando, with the majority of our luggage and Gabe's medical equipment staying in our van, and only a carry-on bag for the overnight trip on the train.
We'll be staying at Give Kids the World Village and staying for about a week. We are so excited!
And the countdown has begun...only three weeks until we leave.... so much to do! So many lists to make and bags to pack.
But we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be taking this trip!
There's Lisa! She's coming with us! And there's Gabe eating some chocolate pudding.
9 comments:
I'm so excited for your family! You're going to have the best time!
How great is that!! I'm so excited for you. Have a great trip:)
That's awesome Rachel! I'm with you on the no flying. I will pray with all my heart that your traveling goes smoothly and Gabe and all of you have a wonderful time with memories to last a life time. Remember to take time to put down the camera and be part of the moment :) (I speak from experience .... sometimes it's hard to put down the camera!)
Love ya'
Ann
Thanks guys! Ann- I will heed your advice on the camera. You know me well! :)
Wow, I'm sooo excited for all of you. God is good. Great solution on traveling the train. My prayers are with you for a smooth trip with no unexpected mishaps. Don't forget the sunblock. Think twinkie and I could fit in your suitcase? You will have the time of your life. God knows you all need a vacation. Gabe will be smiling alot. Have fun and don't stress yourself before you even leave with the don't forget lists. Love, hugs and prayers.
Love, Peggy
Oh Rachel, how exciting. Sounds like you guys made a great choice. What fun and what memories you're going to make! I'm so glad you're getting to go! can't wait to hear all about it....we still need to get together...so let me know when you want to do that! I know things are busy, so just let me know what is good for you.
It sounds like we will be getting our wishes filled right around the same time and by the same Mid_alantic region. YEa! I hope you guys have a wonderful time. I love the train Idea. I wish we would have thought of it.
It will be a great trip.
Can't wait to see pictures of
Gabe on the rides. The girls will
of course love the princess. Don't
forget to get pictures with Gabe and
the characters. And Ann is right, make sure you're in those pics too.
Everything will come together. You
are very organized.
Love you.
Mom
We're going there this December because it's Gavin's wish too! We can't go til december because of medical reasons, but we're so excited to be able to do it too : ) We're flying though because we're in California..hope you have a great time!
Post a Comment