Day 7 Make A Wish

Day 7 Even  though Ricki's make a wish had to come to an end the sweet memories will last forever. What a sweet blessing it was to just enjoy one another without any worries or concerns. 

We headed to the airport a little early thinking we would grab some lunch there at the airport. We got there and Ricki had a seizure so we got her a wheelchair for her as we traveled though the long halls of the airport. We have found it is easier to handle her seizures in public when she is in a wheelchair and not on the floor. When we were going through security they told us to go through the wheelchair line which was on the furthest end of security. We told Angie and Jordan we would see them in a minute thinking it would probably take us less tine to go through security than them...but, that was not to be the case. The line was not that long with less than 10 people in wheelchairs and a couple with strollers but the workers there were not helpful at all and made it very difficult for those going through the line. Several in wheelchairs had to carried/supported by their caregivers to go through the scanner - which just didn't seem right and was very time consuming. When we went through somehow Rick got delayed and I was by myself to gather the luggage the three of  us checked. I was standing there with Ricki in the wheel chair, my backpack, three pieces of luggage and Ricks belongings from his pocket in my hands when a security worker raised their voice telling me I needed to move. I said I am sorry but I can't as I pointed to everything and he walked away. Minutes later another security worker did the same thing but was even more rude in his approach. I again explained I couldn't again motioning to all my things...A third security man came up to me and was about to tell me I needed to move but as I looked at him a big smile came over his face and said may I help you move your things? I was so grateful for his kindness and perception. So we finally got everything moved. Rick made it to where we were and then I had to go back because they had pulled Ricki's bag to check. So..when they did the test on her backpack it set off the alarm and they wanted to pat down Ricki but right then Ricki was having another seizure and a passerby was concerned and wanted to call 911 and Rick was trying to convince the woman and now security that it wasn't necessary. I told the security guard it was my bag and to please pat me down so we could catch our flight because by now we were not early but our plane was loading. I finally got back to Rick and Ricki was slumped over kind of out of it but ok to head to our gate. We made it there just in time to board the plane. Just as we were getting ready to board someone from security showed up to help us load the plane....it was a nice gesture after we had had such a hard time getting through security. Wow, what a way to end a trip! It just helped us appreciate even more how smoothly things had gone and what an amazing week it had been

Day 6 Make A Wish

 Day 6

Today was the highlight of the week. Ricki had the opportunity to be a princess at the princess tea parties there at Give Kids the World. She loved the interactions with the little girls. One little girl came running in and gave Ricki a big hug.  She had seen Ricki going into the building and insisted her parents stop in the middle of the road so she could go see Belle.  Another sweet gal was so sweet and kept asking for pictures with Ricki. Unfortunately we were unable to keep the pictures with other families because of privacy policies but will remember the sweet memories. Another cute family of little girls each dressed up in a disney princess costume asked to sit with Ricki. They were so excited and thrilled it was a delight. Ricki wore out after two of the parties and we headed out so she could rest.  We came back a couple hours later to volunteer at the cafeteria there in the village. Ricki took charge of the drink counter making sure it was clean and stocked and she also helped the rest of us clean tables and floors. We wished we had signed up for more shifts earlier in the week. Later that evening we felt like getting out and went to the animal kingdoms to go on the safari. It was beautiful and the animals were amazing. 

Day 5 Make A Wish

Day 5

We left for Epcot after lunch around 3. Ricki was well rested and in good spirits. Today was her best day so far. We got in all the rides she wanted and it was about 8:00 and we realized we hadn't double checked the closing times and discovered at  Epcot they were earlier and everything closes down for the night at. 9:00 before the fireworks. So we made a quick walk around the world showcase and finished just in time to watch the fireworks show. It was another day where less was more. 

Day 2 Make A Wish

Day 2

Universal Studios and Harry Potter World here we come! This day started off a little rough with Ricki not feeling well but still turned into a magical day for Ricki. We arrived around 2 in the afternoon and by the time we had walked through the shopping areas to get to the entrance Ricki was already worn out so we started at the first aide station getting an ice pack to try to cool her down and hydrate her a little. We we're touched by the kindness of everyone there. As soon as they saw Ricki's lanyard showing she was on her Make A Wish they bent over backwards to help. The timing was perfect when we arrived at the wand shop. There was no one else in line and so we started off the day with Ricki getting her own private wand show where her wand chose her. The wizard doing the presentation was amazing and she had Rick and I in tears and Ricki glowing with her beautiful smile by the end.  With the special passes we were able to get in all the important Harry Potter rides in a short period of time. One worker was so impressive.. He told us we needed to put our things in a locker before we could go on the ride. As we were walking out of the locker area he was there waiting for us to walk us to the front of the line. We finished off the day with dinner at Three Broomsticks. The family platter was beautifully presented and the frozen butter beer was deliciously creamy.  As we were heading out of the park around 7 'o'clock It was hard leaving the park ...there was still so much to see and do but our sweet Ricki had done all she could. That night as I was saying my prayers I was praying that Ricki would have the endurance to enjoy her trip..in my mind that meant she would be able to get up early and go all day into the evening :) an impression came to my mind and it was "Less is More" As I pondered on this I realized that this trip we needed to not focus on getting it "All" in but really enjoying our precious time together.

Day 1 Make A Wish Trip

Day 1

We arrived in Florida and were greeted at the airport by a kind hearted volunteer from Give Kids the world.  He was a retired Firefighter and he and his wife had moved to Florida to enjoy their retirement. He was so sweet to Ricki and all of his conversation was directed to Ricki making he feel special from the moment we got off the plane.  He took us to the car rentals and let Ricki chose what car we would be driving for the week. He gave us directions to the resort and we were off.  

Upon arriving to the resort at Give Kids the World we were showered with even more kindness. We were taken to our home for the week and given a tour. We had  a peaceful

evening as we had dinner, went fishing, and enjoyed exploring and finished the night with ice cream.

Wish Granting Party @ ZAGG

Life has been busy and I am just getting all the details from her fun summer posted. Obviously the biggest highlight was that her brother whom she is very close to came home from his mission. We purposefully had put Ricki's trip off so that he could come with her. 

Wish Granting Party @ZAGG

A month in advance Make A Wish contacted us and let us know that the ZAGG corporation was going to sponsor Ricki's wish granting party. They went above and beyond our wildest expectations of what began a magical journey for Ricki.  We had told Ricki that ZAGG had heard about her service to Primary Children's hospital and wanted to include that in a company party. They also wanted to know if she would dress up as a Disney princess and perform for their employees children.  Ricki was thrilled at the prospect! We determined that we would put together the costume of Belles farm dress since that would be pretty easy. Then shortly after they surprised Ricki with a beautiful Belle dress to perform in. When we went to their head quarters to try the dress on they informed her the dress was hers to keep! She couldn't believe it and was so excited! The night of the party we told her it was time to go and she walked out the door to discover a limo waiting outside! She screamed in delight! She started pitting the pieces together and realized this was part of her Make A Wish. It was a happy drive to Salt Lake. Her sister in law had brought some Disney Music that Ricki her friend McKell and her cousin sang to all the way. 

Upon arrival they took pictures like she was a celebrity making her feel so special. They had dinner their waiting and then after dinner there was the service project where we all assembled kits for Primary children's Ricki had her picture taken with everyone and then went to change for her performance. She first sang the disney song "Summer" and then had the audience dance with her to the song "Be Our Guest" after that dance we had made a Beast costume for her brother Nate and she danced with him. After the performance was over they had Gaston come and sing to her which she absolutely Loved! It was definitely the icing on the cake! What an amazing way to start a magical summer for Ricki.