Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[LeeLee2U]

Oh Linda! How great that you got to meet Jill and Marek!!! And how sweet!!! I would've been choked up too, because I got tears in my eyes reading about it!!
I think it was so awesome that you did this!! I would love to do that one day. Even though we didn't go through GKTW I think it wold be an awesome way of giving back. And just think those gift bags are what every one talks about on their trippies it is what starts the magic for a lot of these kids!!! You were a lot like Sant Claus or maybe one of the elves!!!

I haven't been on much lately ,but I'll try to read through and catch up.

Alizesmom------------LOVE that Pic!! That is so heartwarming and sweet!!!

Ptticak------ I'm glad ya'll are getting to extend it!! Ya'll are going to have a blast and yes you can't go wrong by going ahead and making those ADRs. I changed mine around up to 3 days before we got there!!! There was a couple we really wanted and I just kept calling and when 1 would come open I would have to switch some around to get it but it all ended up well!!


On our end, it's still crazy. DH is fighting to keep going. He is still going to school but his health has been pretty bad. The good news is he just had another catheter put in (2 in the last 3 weeks) but this one is working and his blood has finally started to clean. Both his potassium and phosporus are going down!!!
Our house is coming along and we have @ 3 more Sat and they think we'll be done!!! There has been some delays on the other houses, so they were focusing more on those this Sat so Hopefully we won't get behind.
We have videographers following us @ for a Habitat for Humanity biography and it's pretty strange. I don't see how people make it on those reality shows!! These videographers are very nice, but I've come to realize I LIKE my privacy!!!! Braeton hams it up though. He sees them coming and BOOM I've got Mr. Drama King!!!
I'll be checking in more often to see how it's going withh all of you.

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

It was great meeting Linda too! She is beautiful and very kind. I liked her immediately! As she mentioned Marek did too . Linda- please feel free to post pictures. We met some really great volunteers and had some very interesting conversations with some. By the end of the week I had a hard time being in the Gingerbread house for our meals though. My husband and I are interverts and it was really challenging having so many people around. I started my TR and mentioned that in there but just wondered how others felt about it.

The kids loved GKTW. They actually cried when we left so I know it was a magical place for them. It just felt a little uncomfortable for me. Please don't think I am not appreciative, I hesitate to say anything because no one did anything wrong and I really couldn't even ask for it to be better. It just left me with a funny feeling, that obviously the kids didn't have because they just thought it was every bit as cool as the parks.

Over all the trip was great. It's good to be back home but it was sure a nice break from winter and reality. I will try to do a detailed report and get our pictures posted soon. I am having a really tough time getting back into the swing of things around here. We have been home for 2 days and I still haven't unpacked everything, that's not like me. I am also waking up at 4:30am! Yesterday I blamed it on the kids getting up early but they are still sound of sleep right now and I have been up for hours.

Great to see all of the updates, I need to go back through and read more closely now. Take care

 

[scrappin]

Eeyore's Mom - glad to hear your kids had a great time. Will be looking forward to you reading your trip report! It took us a while to adjust and get back to the normal routine of things. Glad you all made it there and back safely!

 

[patticake3]

Linda, I got happy chills reading your post about volunteering. What a wonderful thing you did. There are so many good people in this world and you are one of them!

LeeLee, sending lots of positive vibes your way for you, the kids, your new home, and your husband. I'm glad the latest surgery is doing good things for his blood. One day at a time - you are very inspiring and your outlook on everything is just fabulous (just caught up on your trip thread)!

Eeyoresmom, I'm so glad your trip was great and the kids had such a magical time! Hope you are all slowly getting back to old routines with happy wish trip thoughts running through your heads. Don't feel funny saying that you were feeling a bit uncomfortable after awhile - you you were far away from home on a wish trip with tons of preplanning and analyzing and then lots of action and people once you got there going on all around you - that can definitely get overwhelming! Disney trips are not relaxing, and add the whole WISH concept in, and the trip itself is like a roller coaster ride!

Our Wish coordinator just booked our flights the other day so now we feel like it's really happening. We're leaving on Feb 28! We don't know what hotel we're staying in, but it will be one of the Disney hotels (I think!) and we are anxious to hear which one. Excitement is building in our house for sure!

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

I know this is sort of off topic but I feel like I can share things with you guys. I had to do one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life this morning. We had to put one of my dogs to sleep. I grew up in a family that had dogs all the time, it's not that I hadn't lost a pet before, I just never had to make the decision and go through putting one to sleep. I think since it was so unexpected didn't help either. Misty (a female schipperke) had not been feeling good the last week or so, so we took her to the vet yesterday figuring it was her teeth since we knew they needed cleaning. The vet called me this morning and said they were doing their pre-anesthesia bloodwork and Misty's liver numbers came back off the charts. I know all about liver numbers with Koryn, so I knew it wasn't good. He said he didn't think there was much chance of getting her numbers back to a normal range. She would have been 11 this April, which is young for a Schipperke. When I got home the first thing Koryn asked me was where was Misty.....I looked at my husband and said you didn't tell her....no.....sure leave the hard job to mommy. Koryn understands about heaven because we lost my sister-in-law to cancer last year. So, she understands that Misty is in Heaven and that we will not be seeing her again. Telling her was sooo hard! We still have Tess, Misty's sister. That helps some.

Thanks for letting me share.

 

[patticake3]

Iluvmickeymouse, I'm so sorry about your dog - they are family members with that unconditional love that is so special. Hope you and the whole family are doing okay today.

 

[alizesmom]

Offering sympathy about Misty. Losing a pet is very hard, being the one who had to make the decision is agony. You did what you felt was right. Karen

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, everyone!

I'm so sorry to read about Misty - you will miss her so much, but she will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge. (www.rainbowbridge.org)

Jill, Glad to hear you are home safe and sound and that your trip was magical for the kids, especially. A Disney trip on it's own is pretty overwhelming, so I'm not surprised to read there was a little discomfort level in it for you - first of all it's "people intensive" - and for people who don't live in a big city, with lots of people about, however impersonal, that alone can be tough. Add in the unfamiliar surroundings, the lack of normal routine, and it's hardly any wonder! I can't wait to read your trip report!

LeeLee, holding warm thoughts for the swift completion of your home - and for the health and well-being of your husband and family.

I'm off today, so maybe I can get something done around here - our "life after work" trip is coming up soon - I need to get cracking! Also have ultrasound of veins in legs and lunch with my lawyer, so that will break up the day.

Wishing you all a good one.

 

[wendygrace]

So sorry to hear about Misty. *hugs*

I am so sorry I haven't been keeping up. We are living at the Ronald McDonald House in St.Louis. Michael caught a virus of some sort (and now Danae has it) with fever and cough. His tissue expander is pulling through the skin and we are now rushing him in to get a broviac put in (today) and probably surgery later this week. Looks like we're going to try and hold it up as long as possible but that tissue expander is just above his intestines. If it pulls through his skin, we're in big trouble. Please keep us in your thoughts and/or prayers. He's not at optimal health and this was not the ideal way we wanted to have this procedure done. *sigh*

 

[Camster0307]

Saying a prayer for all of you.

 

[patticake3]

Wendy, sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way. Hang in there!

 

[Queenie122]

Hi Everyone!

This is my first real (well, second) post here on the DIS boards. I just had to post. My daughter has been qualified for a wish through MAW and another DIS board member (co-worker of my hubby) recommended we come here to see what the trips were like. I've probably read 6 or 10 trip reports and oh my goodness! After reading one you really feel like you know a family, at least a little.

I just wanted to thank everyone for doing such great reports, I've learned so much more than I ever thought I would! We're just in the beginning stages of our Wish, my daughter hasn't even officially made her wish yet but we all know what it is She wants to "Dance with the Princesses at Disney World." She is only three but the girl knows what she wants!

I have so many questions but feel like I should be waiting - we're waiting on the volunteers to call to make the visit to our house and the waiting is killing me! They said they would call within two weeks and it's been two weeks already. I have no patience! probably becuase like most of you we (the whole family) desperately need this trip away.

Anyway, that's me. Thanks again for the great TR's and I'll be around Also, good luck and *hugs* to all of you going through... well, life.

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

Iluvmickeymouse, I'm so sorry about your dog - they are family members with that unconditional love that is so special. Hope you and the whole family are doing okay today.

Offering sympathy about Misty. Losing a pet is very hard, being the one who had to make the decision is agony. You did what you felt was right. Karen

Good Morning, everyone!

I'm so sorry to read about Misty - you will miss her so much, but she will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge. (www.rainbowbridge.org)

Thanks everyone. It has been hard, but we're managing. I would really like to get another dog, but DH is not so sure yet. I am looking at rescues, so hopefully I can find something. I don't think Tess has even realized that her sister is gone. We got her ashes back and they came in a black velvet bag that has "Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge" on it.

So sorry to hear about Misty. *hugs*

I am so sorry I haven't been keeping up. We are living at the Ronald McDonald House in St.Louis. Michael caught a virus of some sort (and now Danae has it) with fever and cough. His tissue expander is pulling through the skin and we are now rushing him in to get a broviac put in (today) and probably surgery later this week. Looks like we're going to try and hold it up as long as possible but that tissue expander is just above his intestines. If it pulls through his skin, we're in big trouble. Please keep us in your thoughts and/or prayers. He's not at optimal health and this was not the ideal way we wanted to have this procedure done. *sigh*

Praying for you!

Hi Everyone!

This is my first real (well, second) post here on the DIS boards. I just had to post. My daughter has been qualified for a wish through MAW and another DIS board member (co-worker of my hubby) recommended we come here to see what the trips were like. I've probably read 6 or 10 trip reports and oh my goodness! After reading one you really feel like you know a family, at least a little.

I just wanted to thank everyone for doing such great reports, I've learned so much more than I ever thought I would! We're just in the beginning stages of our Wish, my daughter hasn't even officially made her wish yet but we all know what it is She wants to "Dance with the Princesses at Disney World." She is only three but the girl knows what she wants!

I have so many questions but feel like I should be waiting - we're waiting on the volunteers to call to make the visit to our house and the waiting is killing me! They said they would call within two weeks and it's been two weeks already. I have no patience! probably becuase like most of you we (the whole family) desperately need this trip away.

Anyway, that's me. Thanks again for the great TR's and I'll be around Also, good luck and *hugs* to all of you going through... well, life.

I am so glad that you found us!! Feel free to ask ANY questions that you may have, that is what we are here for!!! One thing I know that we all have discovered, is dont' be afraid to call and ask what is going on with her wish!!! I know she hasn't "officially" made her wish yet, so keep it in mind for the future! I love that her wish is to dance with the princesses , what a specific wish! DD just asked to see Cinderella's Castle. Good luck with the beginnings of the wish process and stick around, I think you'll like us.

 

[LindaBabe]

Welcome, Queenie! You've come to the right place - these ladies have been through it *all* with their kids.

Hang tough, Wendy! Sending prayers and dust for the well being of you and your family.

 

[bex271]

We just got our call from MAW and we are going to disney we don't have our dates yet but we requested towards the end of the year when it's not as hot. I'm so excited. I've been reading some of the trip reports and that makes me even more excited. I know i'm going to have lots of questions

becca

 

[alizesmom]

Wendy, sorry that Michael is having such problems. I hope the surgery goes well and he (and you) finally get a break. To those who just made their wish, hooray. You have so much fun and excitement ahead of you. Ask any questions that come to mind and enjoy the whole process since the anticipation is a good part of it. Karen

 

[wendygrace]

Just wanted to let you know Michael is going in tomorrow for his big surgery. Thanks for all the well wishes.

 

[patticake3]

Wendy, sendings loads of positive thoughts and good karma your way. Hope Michael's surgery goes really well tomorrow and hope his recovery is fast and smooth-sailing. Try to take care of yourself, too. Easier said than done, I know.

Welcome, Becca and Queenie! There's a lot of great info here from all the people that went before us and then shared all their tips, ideas, and strategies. I'm so glad I found it when I did - helped with the planning so much! We're leaving in 22 days! One thing I've noticed from trip reports and posts - things may not always go exactly as you had imagined or planned, so just go with the flow and some of those unexpected moments will be the best ever, or at least something you can laugh about later!

Not sure if I mentioned it here, but we were told last Friday that we'll be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I don't know anything about it, but it looks great on the Disney website! Excitement is building at our house!

 

[Queenie122]

I am so glad that you found us!! Feel free to ask ANY questions that you may have, that is what we are here for!!! One thing I know that we all have discovered, is dont' be afraid to call and ask what is going on with her wish!!! I know she hasn't "officially" made her wish yet, so keep it in mind for the future! I love that her wish is to dance with the princesses , what a specific wish! DD just asked to see Cinderella's Castle. Good luck with the beginnings of the wish process and stick around, I think you'll like us.

I'm pretty sure I already like all of you! Everyone is so kind and caring and it would be hard not to like everyone here!

I am wanting to call them so badly, it's been a week past the "latest" they were supposed to call. Patience! I need some

Welcome, Queenie! You've come to the right place - these ladies have been through it *all* with their kids.

I can see that! In the scheme of things my daughter is doing very well and making great progress. But she isn't what other people would consider "normal" she still has many issues to overcome and day to day it's hard to deal with people not understanding that, or what it's like to have a special needs child.

We just got our call from MAW and we are going to disney we don't have our dates yet but we requested towards the end of the year when it's not as hot. I'm so excited. I've been reading some of the trip reports and that makes me even more excited. I know i'm going to have lots of questions

becca

Congrats!!

To those who just made their wish, hooray. You have so much fun and excitement ahead of you. Ask any questions that come to mind and enjoy the whole process since the anticipation is a good part of it. Karen

Thank you! Hubby and daughter are already going crazy with anticipation and we haven't even met our volunteers yet!

Just wanted to let you know Michael is going in tomorrow for his big surgery. Thanks for all the well wishes.

Good luck today, I hope it all went smoothly.

Does anyone know, will Wendy update here or is there another thread somewhere else? I'd love to find out how it went.

Welcome, Becca and Queenie! There's a lot of great info here from all the people that went before us and then shared all their tips, ideas, and strategies. I'm so glad I found it when I did - helped with the planning so much! We're leaving in 22 days! One thing I've noticed from trip reports and posts - things may not always go exactly as you had imagined or planned, so just go with the flow and some of those unexpected moments will be the best ever, or at least something you can laugh about later!

Not sure if I mentioned it here, but we were told last Friday that we'll be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I don't know anything about it, but it looks great on the Disney website! Excitement is building at our house!

That's so soon! How far ahead of time did you know you were going? Or I guess that's a good question for everyone... our coordinator said that if my daughter's wish was travel (duh) we would be able to go as soon as we were ready. How long was it between the time you made your wish and when you got to go? What was that process like?

Patticake - I've seen pictures of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and it looks amazing!

 

[wendygrace]

Michael is out of surgery and doing well. The docs did a great job. Now we do the ICU/intubation waiting game. Thanks for all your thoughts.