This evening at the Village there was a “Pirates and Princesses Party” by the pool, with games, costumes and ice cream. We enjoyed a train ride with Justin as the conductor, and the amazing electric train display at “Amberville Station”. We even had enough steam left to hang in the game room and play few holes of mini golf.

Justin was happiest today playing at the Village. Nicky and Michael are all about the theme parks, especially considering Michael’s new obsession with rollercoasters. Jeff is going to take them over to Disney tomorrow while Justin and I enjoy activities at the Village at our own pace with plenty of ice cream.

I didn’t really understand why I sometimes felt really cranky at the parks but my mom figured me all out. I don’t like crowds and noise. And I don’t like riding in a dumb stroller or wheelchair, but my feet hurt if I walk too much. And I just don’t really like rides too much. I’d rather play games and DO stuff. There’s LOTS of games here at the Village. And other kids like me who understand what it’s like to feel sick a lot. And the people here are so nice! They drive around in little carts with cookies and lemonade all day. Mommy says we can just play here for the rest of the trip, if I want to, and my brothers can go to the parks. I like that idea. Thanks for praying for me. Good night! Love, Justin 

Hollywood Studios did not impress Justin and Nicky but Michael loved it. He and Jeff spent some extra time there while Justin caught a snooze.

Then we made it over to Sea World for a couple hours. They just give you tickets to anywhere around here!

Justin is in a wheelchair because he finally broke out of the stroller. Literally. (He has trouble walking distances because of foot pain and leg weakness, a side effect of chemotherapy.) Nicky and Justin loved the Dolphin and Shamu shows. Michael loved the rollercoasters.

The Village is very large and quite a walk to Town Hall but they have little shuttle buses driving around to give you a lift. To my surprise, Justin hopped right in the front and had a nice long conversation with the driver.

I had to run in Walmart for something I forgot. Grabbed a souvenir T for about a million dollars less than in the park. Go me.

Off to Hollywood Studios!

Enjoyed Epcot this morning. Lunched in Japan. Justin had enough by mid-afternoon, so he and Michael headed back to the Village with Jeff to relax and swim.

Nicky and I went rogue and conquered Magic Kingdom on our own. To me, this trip is just as much “a wish come true” for Nicky and Michael. The stress of childhood cancer is different for siblings, but it’s definitely ugly and it’s most certainly there.

This one-on-one time with me was good for Nicky. He was all “thank you” and “I love you, mom” and “this is the best day of my life.” It WAS a great time. God knows what He is doing.

Nicky also said, “I’ll never forget this day, mom.” Me too, baby, me too.

I didn’t feel that good today but still had fun. I liked Spaceship Earth in Epcot and playing in the pool with daddy and Michael the best. I am too tired to think about what I want to do tomorrow but I know it will be good. Thanks for praying for me. Good night! Love, Justin 

Swimming, talent show and a tired mom at the Village tonight. Michael gets a “superstar makeover” and sang “We Are the Champions” for an enthused audience and really surprised parents.

Thoughts on Give Kids the World Village. Out in the “real world” people have sometimes stared at us. Hair loss, Make-A-Wish shirts, nuclear steroid-induced tantrums, a six-year-old in a stroller. Nobody stares at you here. Everyone’s kid has special needs here. Everyone gets it.

It’s not that I care so much what people think. It’s just a nice feeling to not be the oddballs for once. It’s all oddballs here.

I like it.

I had a super awesome time today. Tonight I’m taking a LOT of pills, including methotrexate. That one usually makes me feel pretty awful. Hope I can feel good tomorrow and have some more fun. Thanks for praying for me. Good night!

Love, Justin

Since he saw it on TV in the hospital, it has been Justin’s wish to build and race Lego cars. Today he did it! We are so grateful to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but even more so to God. How far we’ve come!

Jeff wanted to make sure I credited his basketball skills, responsible for the three huge stuffed turtles. I suppose we have to bring them home. Yay.

Morning at Give Kids the World. Reality pics. Me trying to get the boys to pose. Yes, there is reality even when you’re giving kids the world.

The volunteers here are amazing. I literally didn’t make my own coffee. At a buffet.

Off to Legoland where Michael is excited to trade mini-figures, Justin wants to build a car and Nicky can’t wait to see Washington D.C., made entirely of Lego.

 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 

The captain of American Airlines flight 1746 gave Justin a tour of the cockpit and a special “shout out” right before take off. Everyone clapped. The boys were all smiles. Between that and the limousine pick up, Justin now thinks his “fame” at Gloucester County Christian School is clearly spreading across the country.

Greeted at the Orlando airport by a “Give Kids the World” volunteer and escorted to the “Village.” (You can check out this special resort at gktw.org)

Ice cream for lunch and gifts for the boys upon arrival, including a Mickey doll for Justin, which has quickly become a favorite.

Made it to Universal Studios, this evening, in time for a tour of Hogwarts and Ollivanders Shop where a magic wand “chose” Nicky from the crowd.

Justin easily takes down a foot-long hot dog, then enjoyed the biggest bubble bath ever. Before bed, he and dad planned our day at Legoland tomorrow.

Thanks for praying for me. I’m so tired, but so happy! Good night. Love, Justin

Justin’s lip is healing up nicely, and he’s no longer in excruciating pain. I now, definitely, get the purpose and benefit of wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, even if they aren’t necessarily terminal. Even on relatively good days, childhood cancer suffering is intense and just plain long.

In anticipation of the trip, Justin is the happiest I’ve seen him in hundreds of days. It makes my heart hurt in that good kind of way. A thousand thank yous to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

A sweet friend asked, today, if I “got into” my shorts in preparation for the hot Florida sun. Kinda forgot about that, so figured I better try them on. As long as they stay away from the high heat drying cycle, we’re good.

Gleeful and relieved, I treated the boys to my very own lip syncing ballet rendition of that Frozen song nobody can stand anymore.

They were like: Mom. Please. Stop it. They acted all entirely mortified and embarrassed, but they were probably just pretending again. I was good.

… yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands… Isaiah 49:15b-16a (KJV)

It may feel like it at times, but we are not forgotten. Grace be with you, my friends.