Aubrey's wish

In less than two weeks, we are headed out on the trip of a lifetime-- and it's all our spunky Aubrey Collette's choosing!

Several months ago, we found out that Aubrey had been accepted by the Make A Wish Foundation to receive a wish.

[Side note: the whole process of being accepted and chosen is a strange one. I mean, do you simply say "Okay," to the physicians who have clearly communicated to the Foundation that they believe your daughter's life expectancy and/or quality is compromised by her health issues, or do you call them up and tell them to change their recommendation because you absolutely don't accept their prognosis-- which is true, but you also know that that very prognosis is part of her miracle and what makes her such a testimony?! It's strange, I tell you!]

Since that time, it has been unbelievable to be the recipients of such over-the-top generosity. From the volunteers who came, bearing gifts, to talk with Aubrey and get to know her so that they could ascertain what she might wish for, to the announcement party where a college girl volunteered to dress up as a princess and invite Aubrey to her castle and the restaurant provided the meal at no cost and where there were gift bags for each of the children and balloons and a donated cake, to the steady stream of gifts and cards and thoughtfulness, to learning about our travel itinerary and realizing it includes phrases like, "Your limousine will arrive..." and, "...spending money for each family member each day," and, "...all-inclusive resort," we are blown away.

They cover every detail. The volunteer who has interfaced with us has gone so far as making sure the airline has written down notes about Aubrey's health needs during the flight, and she will personally meet us at the airport with our rental vehicle when we arrive at our destination.

I know for a fact that one week will barely give us enough time to do all the things they are arranging for.

I also know that we are increasingly excited about a whole week of being together as a family and not worrying about a single thing.

Mostly-- and I really do mean this-- Daniel and I are excited about even more people we are crossing paths with who get to see the faithfulness of God in Aubrey. People who are familiar with the facts of Aubrey's condition are astounded when they actually get to know her, because she is the picture of health if you're not examining her heart. It's mind-boggling, and gives us opportunity left and right to share the story of a God who sustains in all things!