Hawaii, here we come!

I've mentioned before that Steven has been waiting, maybe a bit impatiently, to hear from Make-a-Wish. He has expected them to show up at our door any night with information on his wish. Sometimes, he would even wait by the window, and watch for his wish granters. He would ask me constantly if they had called and when they were coming. I started answering that they would come when he least expected it.

Well, I was right! They surprised him on Thursday at the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet, which was already planned as a luau. Our wish granters had some Polynesian dancers from BYU come to entertain us. After their first number, a hula, they called Steven up on stage to tell him that his wish to Hawaii would be granted! I was amazed that he didn't figure it out before it happened--he told me that he didn't realize that it was Make-a-Wish until he got up on the stage and saw his wish granters. They went all out for him--there were several people there with gifts for him--shirts, sandals, snorkeling gear, leis, chocolates, balloons, and his favorite--a big book about Hawaii. After the presentation, they performed a Haka dance and then taught the scouts to do it as well--it was darling.

One of these days, I need to make a video of all the fun. For now, here is a clip that I love--all of it together made me cry. I love when Steven hops up on the stage--this is my Steven who has been on crutches since May, essentially.



When they read his wish, I was just filled with emotion--gratitude and joy and humility. After it was all over, I asked if he was okay with such a public announcement. He once made me tell the granters that he didn't want something like that. He said, "Well, no one said, 'No fair! You get to go to Hawaii!', so I guess it was okay." It finally dawned on me that he just didn't want to rub his good fortune in to others. I must admit that I get it--it feels strange to be in the spotlight and receiving such a grand gift.

And grand it is, I must say. Just the thought of Hawaii makes me smile and when times feel tough, there is nothing like the thought of sunshine at the beach to lift me up. We don't know when we are going yet, but we do know that we will stay in Hawaii for 5 nights and are going to the big island, Hawaii, where the volcano is. And yes, it is for the whole family, so even the little girls will be coming along this time. In some ways I can't wait, but I also love having something to anticipate, so however long we wait, that is okay with me.

Thank you, thank you Make-a-Wish. How do I even begin to express my gratitude?


Steven and his awesome haka face.


The dancers were so nice. As we were visiting afterward, it dawned on Steven that Make-a-Wish had invited them and not the scout leaders.


Here we are with the dancers and his wish granters, Gloria and Tiffany. Thanks everyone!