Last week we got to experience a wish come true that was over two years in the making. When I tell people about how wonderful and meaningful it was, I keep finding myself saying that I can’t even put it into words. But here’s my attempt to do just that.
Back in early 2020, we learned that Gage qualified for Make-A-Wish and began dreaming about what his wish might be. I remember the excitement and anticipation as we had our first virtual meeting with volunteers to discuss Gage’s likes and interests. After some brainstorming, we settled on the idea of a Disney cruise, which we planned to pursue just as soon as the pandemic settled down. Ha! I think we imagined travel being delayed by a few weeks or months. Obviously the coronavirus had other plans.
In the meantime, we imagined other possibilities like an attachment to make Gage’s wheelchair more all-terrain, but his pediatric sized chair ruled out that option too. Ultimately, Gage’s wish evolved into a first time adventure of adaptive skiing!
We learned from friends with an older son about this amazing sport, and thought this might be the perfect way to give it a try. Although when it became real, I was equal parts excited and terrified.
As more details came together and our travel dates drew closer, my excitement began to outweigh my fears. Not only would Gage get to ski, Caleb would have a a chance to learn for the first time too on the same trip. Make-A-Wish so generously provided everything we needed for an amazing vacation! I feel so very humbled and grateful.
Our adventures in the mountains included a horse drawn sleigh ride, roasted marshmallows fireside, sledding, and snow tubing. All this while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation. Our first couple days in Colorado were packed full of fun. As the middle of the week rolled around, Caleb expressed some reservations about skiing. I reassured him it was ok to feel scared and that he can do hard things. Only now does it occur to me how much I needed my own advice mere hours later.
In anticipation of our first morning of skiing, we tried hard for an early bedtime that night. Once the boys were asleep, I lie awake for hours while fear and anxiety crept back in, seeming to outweigh my excitement. I prayed for God to grant me peace and reminded myself that even if things didn’t go perfectly, it was still ok. It was still worth trying.
The next morning, God answered my prayers with a resounding YES, and so much more! We awoke to the most beautiful day yet and perfect weather conditions, with the sun shining brightly and making all the snow sparkle. Upon checking in at the National Sports Center for the Disabled, Gage had a thorough fitting to get in his sit ski, and he was giggly and giddy through the whole process. Each little laugh melted away more of my nerves, making room for heartfelt joy. Caleb suited up and headed out with Evan and his awesome ski instructor. We spent a bit more time getting things just right for Gage, which was time well spent to set him up for success. He was then transported outside by his two incredible instructors, and from that moment on, I was just trying to keep up.
We checked in with Caleb to see what he’d been working on, then quickly headed further up the mountain for ALL the fun! I had a natural and easy confidence and trust in the two women working with Gage. I was blown away by how effortless they made it look to guide him down the slopes and even through the trees and deep powder. Although my thighs were ON FIRE, my heart was too, and I don’t think I stopped smiling for the next few hours. We reunited with Caleb’s crew for our final run, and were greeted at the bottom of the mountain by some proud grandparents!
That afternoon Evan and I alternated time with folks from Make-A-Wish to answer questions about Gage, our family, how his medical journey has impacted us, and what the wish experience meant. I feel like I talk and share a lot about things like that, yet it still caught me off guard just how cathartic the experience was. It was a good reminder that a willingness to be vulnerable is often worth it.
That evening we waited for Gage to wake up from a long nap before taking a gondola ride to the lodge at top of the mountain where we got to take in the views illuminated by a full moon, eat dinner, and listen to live music. It was a fun way to wrap up a full day.
Our final day in Colorado included another morning of skiing with Evan accompanying Gage and me joining Caleb this time. We skied in the falling snow, and Gage even got to meet a sweet Golden Retriever puppy training for work on the avalanche rescue team! It was so cool to see Caleb’s skills improve minute by minute. One of my favorite parts of the day was witnessing Caleb hold onto Gage’s handlebar for a run, while he was sandwiched between Gage’s instructor and his own, safely guiding his big brother down the slope.
I think we all used up every ounce of our energy on that final day full of adventure. We powered through a long drive home the next day (thanks, Evan!) and were so happy to be back in our own beds that night. The whole trip and experience has me overwhelmed with gratitude. I can’t say enough good things about the ski instructors who worked with both the boys and everyone involved with Make-A-Wish. Most of all, I’m amazed at the way God pours out his blessings on us and allows us to soak it all in.