I haven't been back on the boards much since our son Mark's Wish Trip, but something compelled me to check in.
I saw the message about Becca's surgery, Noah's many hospitalizations, Ambers quest to get to the bottom of Savannah's issues, and more. I wanted all of you to know that you are in my thoughts - you are all in my prayers too.
I've had challenges lately, issues pulling me away at times from what is important in this life. Superficial things like parent in-fighting on School Council, necessary but material things like picking tiles for bathrooms and elevators as we make our home more accessible for Mark. Important things like watching both our boys cough, being on the hospital watch ourselves as their ex-premie lungs fight what to other kids is a run of the mill cold. Feeling my own heart break as my mother has a moment of sufficient clarity to recognize the dementia that is taking her from us. All these things a reminder to treasure our loved ones and put aside that which is not important.
Several of the Wish Kids on these boards and their families have faced major health challenges recently, I see now. I am reminded of how precious life is, and how our love for our families not only gives our children strength, but also sustains us through difficult times.
When we first learned that Mark was being granted a Wish, we were thrilled for him, as he so deserves it. What I didn't realize was that I was being granted a gift as well. The bond we share here on the Wish Trip board is unique - most of us have never met in person, and likely never will...but we all share such a strong, commond bond in our love and concern for our children...our experiences place us in a "club" that many of the parents I know simply cannot "get." It's not a "club" we sought to join, but these life challenges have given us the opportunity to appreciate life, learn how to trust in God and be comforted by prayer.
So...to all my friends here, I thank you. I'm coming back with that trip report, even if it takes me months. I am struggling a bit to keep the magic of our trip alive - and by that magic I mean the memories of Mark and Douglas' smiles and feeling the bountiful empathy and support we felt at GKTW and through the parks. I think that by putting aside my guilt at not managing our trip report, but by visiting here and offering my prayers and support, I can bring back that magic.
Of course, perhaps another positive way to keep the magic alive would be to sign up with Maroo and others for that 1/2 Marathon!
Please know that you are supported, and the subject of a multitude of prayers.
Alison
