Wish Reveal

If I don’t get this out, I will be too far behind when we leave for Disney :)  WE ARE SO EXCITED, and I can tell everyone else is excited for us.

On Saturday, Eva had her wish reveal party and found out we are going to Disney.  Her wish grantor, and family friend, Shannon, pulled out all of the stops and it was truly a magical moment.  I could not stop smiling, and Eva was so happy.  Many organizations came together to donate items to the party- Spectacular Party Entertainment princesses donated their time, Sweeties donated candy for goodie bags, and Angelo’s Pizza in Lakewood went above and beyond and donated food, shirts, and wants to reimburse a family member who paid for the pavilion and zoo tickets.  Everyone was so generous; I am just overwhelmed at the love that was showered on us, and how hard everyone worked for Eva to have a magical time.

The one picture I posted is Eva with Shannon and Guillo.  Guillo was my neighbor growing up, my brother's best friend, and my good friend too!  The only time I started to get emotional during the Wish Reveal was when Eva asked to give Guillo a hug.  I could see how moved he was, and I almost lost it.  Shannon and Guillo are together, so when we found out Eva was getting a Make a Wish, we asked Shannon if she would be her wish grantor, as she was already a Make a Wish volunteer.  Shannon did an amazing job planning this party, and Eva was very lucky to have her as her genie, and we are lucky to have Guillo and Shannon in our lives.  

The princesses gave Eva a makeover, put on her tiara, read stories, sang, and danced with everyone.  Anna then announced that Eva was going to Disney.  She smiled, and then went up to Brendan and asked, “Is this my Make a Wish?” and I think that’s when it sunk in.  She knew she was going to Disney, but anytime she asked, we told her we didn’t know when, and maybe we wouldn't go until fall or winter.  We woke up Saturday morning and casually said we wanted to check out the zoo, and she had no idea what we were up to.

Vivian and Everett knew the trip was coming soon.  We wanted them to be excited for Eva, and to understand that we all get to go on the trip, so we should all be excited for her and support her.  Vivian did not find out about Universal until the party, and I think her jaw hit the floor.  These kids have no idea what they are in for.  We leave tomorrow morning, so I wanted to post this so we don’t fall too behind.  It’s nice to have too many fun updates to post :)

Our family has been so supported the last few weeks.  Shortly after our last post, our dear neighbor, Jim passed away.  In lieu of flowers, his family asked that people donate to Eva.  This was so touching; it’s hard to describe.  Every time I told someone at work, they started to tear up.  I told his wife, Kathy, that I had to stop telling people at work because I was just making everyone cry.  They are a great family to know, and we are lucky to have them in our lives.  It's just such a beautiful gesture to receive cards and well-wishes from people we don’t even know, and we really admired Jim and will miss him.  

I also opened up to my colleagues at school, and let them know I would be gone because of Eva’s Make a Wish.  It is difficult to let so many people know about something so painful, and so private, but my coworkers have been so supportive, and today every room I went in had a person excited about Eva’s Make a Wish and asking me if we were ready.  Teachers are amazing.  From my coworkers to my kids’ teachers, we have been so blessed to have supportive teachers helping us on this journey.  I have always thought teaching was important, but now I am on the other side, needing teachers to help my kids live a full life while handling some heavy stuff at home.  Actually, I think that’s what everyone is helping us do :)

Ok, that’s all from me.  Gotta catch a plane soon.  I want to post pictures, but do not plan on posting journals until we get back, unless I find myself having extra energy, haha.  Here’s to three days in Disney, and two days at Harry Potter World.  

Thank you for following along, and sending positive thoughts our way.  Eva loooooves Peter Pan (and the movie Hook), so since last Friday, my mantra has been, “Think of the happiest things.  It’s the same as having wings.”