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12.13.2011

Make A Wish


I will never forget the day that Dr. B's head nurse, Tracy, walked into our hospital room, probably a week after Lucy's first surgery, and told me that she had just submitted Lucy's name to Make a Wish. Not knowing much about Make a Wish, except that it was something sick children got to do, I freaked out. In an instant, tears began streaming and I bravely asked "does this mean Lucy is going to die?" That's what I thought it meant when you were granted a wish. I think Tracy was taken aback by this rather frank question and quickly reassured me that Make a Wish was so much more than that.


(Lucy and Becky)

This quote was taken from the Make a Wish website: "a wish experience is frequently a source of inspiration for children undergoing difficult medical treatments and a positive force that helps them overcome their obstacles. A wish experience is often more than a dream come true: It’s the catalyst that rekindles their belief in themselves and the promise of their future."

(Lucy with Allie and Elizabeth)

Do you know that I actually had someone send me a message that our family was greedy and selfish for accepting a trip from Make a Wish. That we were cruel for stealing a child's wish since Lucy was on the mends. I obviously did not respond, since there was nothing I could say to such an ignorant person. However, I stand firm in believing that if anyone deserved a wish come true, it was Lucy.


I do pray that Lucy is healed from her cancer. I also pray that it never, ever comes back. But the sheer hell that my child went through for nearly 8 months made her deserving of this trip and a lifetime more to come. No one will ever know how much hurt Lucy suffered, how this cancer will change her life and what challenges she will face going forward. I love the quote above because moving forward after treatment is a huge challenge. There is such a mindset that these children acquire that makes it hard sometimes to get on with life. They have been knocked down for so long that many forget what its like to live "well."


On Thursday, December 1st, Lucy's class was invited to participate in a Christmas party at my Alma-mater, Covington High School. Little did she know that this was the day she would be granted her wish to visit Disney World to meet Buzz Lightyear! The student body, under the leadership of the Student Council, adopted Lucy as their Make a Wish grantee this year. Our family was honored that our local school was able to grant Lucy's wish. It meant so much more being so personal. A huge thanks to Mrs. Becky Todd for agreeing to make this happen at CHS!!!



The school put together the most wonderful revealment and we were literally blown away.  There were crafts for the kids to do...


There was the reading of the specially written story all about Lucy and her fight from beginning to end..


And a visit from Santa himself...(thanks Walt!!)


Ella and Jack were made to feel so special and Erik and I even got some TV face time!  It was hilarious. 





(this is Erik and I trying to hold ourselves together when they had someone sing "When You Wish Upon a Star.  Serious waterworks!)

 


Me trying to describe the days' events would never do the experience justice.  All i can say is "thank you" from the very bottom of my heart.  "Thank you, thank you, thank you."


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40 comments:

  1. Aw this is SO awesome! Make a Wish is an amazing organization. My nephew was granted a wish when he was fighting leukemia. He got a playground put in his backyard! He wasn't able to play on it for quite some time because he was too sick. But he was thrilled none the less. That was over 5 years ago and while he's healthy now he continues to play on it and it serves as a wonderful reminder of how far he's come.

    I'm so glad Lucy got her very own wish. And one day she'll be able to look back at all these wonderful pictures and remember how far she's come!

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  2. I am SOBBING right now! Who in the world would have said such awful things? Lucy and her family are so deserving of a trip. The only advice I can give you is consider the source. You guys have been through Hell. I am so happy you guys got to go! You know, throughout your journey (and Sarah's), I've thought a lot about you Moms (naturally, since I'm a mother too) but also thought a lot about Lleyton and Ella and Jack and how their little lives have been affected too. My prayers continue to be for Lucy's health, strength, stamina, and her little tummy.

    I wish we could have met at the race. (I was the one sobbing uncontrollably through the campus. I couldn't run for crying!)

    I can't wait to see Disney pictures!

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  3. I had to post when I read that people thought Lucy did not deserve the Make A Wish. I am so glad that Lucy got her wish. She deserved it as much as anyone else whom ever had one!

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  4. I literally cannot believe someone would say that Lucy doesn't deserve her dream to come true. I mean every kid does, but Lucy especially, and for that matter, Ella & Jack. You have such strength not to send back a nasty email. Yay for Lucy!! I will follow until she is 100% healthy.

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  5. Wonderful pictures! I am very happy you all were able to go on Make a Wish. Don't ever feel bad about that. My friends daughter had a kidney transplant and she too, even though she was well on her way to mending, had her Make a Wish. Which, by the way, was a greenhouse. ;P People just don't think sometimes when they make comments, I am glad to see that you took it all in stride.

    Continuing to lift Lucy up to our God for 100% health.

    Blessings,
    <><

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  6. If anyone deserves a make a wish trip, it's Lucy. I'm so glad she got her wish granted. I hope it was everything she could have dreamed of and more and filled with many happy memories for your family!

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  7. Lucy is so very much so deserving of a wish! <3 praying that she will be able to gain weight and strength. And praying for you as well :)

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  8. How could anyone say such a cruel and UNTRUE thing?! Lucy is the most wonderful child - the bravery she has shown this year is astonishing. I pray that she has the most wonderful time on her wish that she really, truely deserves.

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  9. Are the red shoes with white poka dots.....the tom shoes and are they Xmas ones? It was hard to tell in the pics........she looks so happy the night she found out she was going to Disney world :-)

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  10. Mean people suck. I'm so glad Lucy got to go on her trip!

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  11. I am so glad Lucy was able to get her wish. Make a Wish Foundation does so many amazing things, thank you for this post. More people need to understand the mission of Make a Wish is to help children with life threatening illnesses, not necessarily terminal. You and your family have been through so much and are certainly very deserving of the Disney trip. I can't wait to see pictures from the trip.

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  12. I will do the mean mean person a favor and pray for them! If anyone even dares to think that little Lucy did not deserve that trip, much less e-mail you about it, has a VERY hard heart and certainly needs much prayer! So thankful that sweet Lucy was granted her wish. Not one person in this world deserved it anymore! As someone who does not even like to take my kids to get shots, I can only imagine the literal HELL on earth she has suffered. Still praying for her daily!

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  13. Ohhhh - so wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing Lucy's wish experience. Sounds like you have found another message to share - about what Make A Wish is all about. Our company sponsored a wish (for another big fan of Buzz!) and it was, by far, one of the most amazing experiences I have ever witnessed. Prayers continue for Lucy to get past this latest setback and that she starts to pack on the pounds. Never fear - we always have prayers for Lucy and her family.

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  14. Tears are streaming down my face right. What an awesome gift you all were given and what a wonderful Wish for Lucy to come true. Every child deserves to have their wish come true but especially those that have serious medical illnesses such as cancer. Lucy deserves this to help her remember what childhood is all about after enduring treatment that no child should have go through. Congratulations to all of you.

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  15. Don't feel bad for a second! Praise God that Lucy is on the mend, for sure! But...she has been to hell and back (along with your whole family) this past year! You ALL deserve this "wish" that Lucy was granted, especially little brave Lucy! Ignore mean spirited people...and pray for them. I will too.

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  16. I pray for your family all the time, this is my first post to your blog. I'm typing with tears in my eyes, I'm so happy that you received this trip, and I pray that Miss Lucy will be just fine! Hugs, a Illinois friend.

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  17. I am apalled that someone would think much less say that Lucy was undeserving of a Wish. I think all children deserve a wish like this, sick or well; however, especially children who have gone through as much as Lucy has. Prayers sent for healing of her stomach issues. I believe this child deserves that wish also.

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  18. What a wonderful gift that Lucy has received! Lucy totally deserves this memory.

    Blessings,

    Amy

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  19. Bless Lucy's heart. She deserves this happy trip with her loving family. Prayers for a wonderful time and DO NOT feel guilty. Make a Wish is a great foundation! Hoping and praying that her appetite increases. Be Blessed.

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  20. OOHH Kate!!! How many tears I've cried and how my heart sings to know your family experince such a wonderful gift. HOW DARE THAT PERSON EXCUSE YOU ALL OF BEING SELISH!!! WHOEVER SAID THAT SHOULD BE PROFOUNDLY ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. TALK ABOUT BEING SELFISH....HOW DARE HE(SHE)!!!

    We all know Lucy is soooo worthy of this trip....this honour and like you said...MANY, MANY, MANY more to come!!!

    With Friendship & Love,
    Jenn from Canada

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  21. I'm so happy Lucy's wish has been granted. In this town if there is ever a family more deserving it is y'all! What makes me so sad is you feeling like you have to explain why Lucy is so deserving, she is fighting a battle some may never have to endure, she is a child fighting for her life! Still praying for your family!!!

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  22. I'm sitting at my desk in tears just reading this!!! What an amazing group of people and WHAT A DESERVING LITTLE GIRL AND FAMILY!!!!!!!

    Yes, yelling but what that person wrote to you just makes me so mad! How can a person lay their head on a pillow at night and sleep knowing that they were so cruel??

    Your Lucy is SO deserving of this trip as is the rest of your family. Lucy is the one who has cancer but together your family is fighting cancer and winning the battle!!!

    Make a Wish is an amazing organization and I am so thankful you were able to visit Disney World! Cannot wait to hear all about your fun and adventures there!!

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  23. I can't believe someone would say you were being selfish for accepting Lucy's wish. The company I work for grants 1-3 wishes each year and all our Make A Wish children have been "on the mend". And there isn't a single one that wasn't deserving of their wish. Each one, like Lucy, went through more than a child should have to endure. I'm going to pray for whoever said such a thing also. I hope God softens their heart especially around this time of year.

    And our home is, of course, still praying for Lucy and your family!

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  24. I have followed your blog from day 1-any child that has to go through the pain and suffering of cancer or any other life threatening illness should be provided an opportunity to have a special wish-Disney is a magical place where kids can feel nothing but love and fun. There is no doubt you are a woman of God and forgive this person-but what a small person this must have been. Hang in there Mom! Lucy is one lucky little lady to have such a sweet family and a wish granted. Wonderful story-we are praying for ya'll daily.;O))

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  25. Okay I am a Memphis girl but currently living in Oklahoma and am friends with Melissa Cole. I have been following Lucy's story ever since Melissa asked us to pray for you guys! As I am reading your post today my blood is BOILING!!! I can NOT believe ANYONE had the nerve to say that to you!!! I am a kindergarten teacher and I have a little girl who has battled cancer and NO ONE knows the pain and hurt of a family until you personally have to go through it! Please do NOT think ONE thing of that comment! There are people in this world living for Satan! He sends people to kill, steal, and destroy! Do NOT whoever this person take the JOY of your GRANT!!! Lucy deserves it more than ANYONE and praise GOD she is doing well! I will continue to pray for that little appetite! My little girl is so little too but is doing so good and I just know Lucy will too!!!

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  26. I sit here with tears pouring down my cheeks. I am so sorry that a little Grinch thought and had the audacity to express such a selfish and cruel thought that Lucy was undeserving of her wish as she was on the mend. I will pray for their heart to grow as they become more educated about the whole Make a Wish foundation.

    Your family has had a very tough year and Lucy the hardest and most suffering of all. She still has hurdles to climb.

    I was so happy when I read that her wish was granted and you were headed to Disney. What a magical place for you all to celebrate and make lasting memories. There is not anyplace else I know of on earth that you can escape and just feel pure joy. Can't wait to read of your adventure.

    Ellen

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  27. Thanks for sharing that special day with your readers! That is just beautiful! Praying daily for y'all. (and now praying for the person that sent you hurtful comments.)

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  28. Um... really? about that person who said Lucy wasn't deserving of a Wish. omg...

    One of the main points of Make a Wish is to try to make up to kids some of the fun they've had to miss while they undergo serious treatments. Treatments that adults would be collapsing under! grrr... at that person.

    I'm SO glad you all got to go to Disney World and I'm looking forward to seeing the photos and hearing the stories.

    And I'll pray for an appetite for Lucy. And... far be it from me to give ANY medical advice, but I'm just wondering if the doctors have looked into something simple like lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance? (besides the cdiff I mean). You never know, and both are an easy fix because it's just diet rather than more pills, shots, or IVs. Well, I'm sure you all have thought of that, so I'm kind of embarrassed to even be suggesting anything to you. :)

    Constant prayers for Lucy, and for you all. :))

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  29. Your love and the strength you have shown for your daughter and your family is amazing. I "check-in" on Lucy each week. I am so happy that you all had a magical trip- what a great group of high schoolers too. Wow! I am sure that Lucy and her story has made an imprint on their lives that will help lead them to great things. Praying for little Lucy to get some strength! Wishing your family much happiness and HEALTH in the new year!
    Most of all I couldn't think of a child more deserving to make a wish than Lucy! Beyond that your family is paying it forward during a trying time-dinners for families, staff, fund raisers and I am sure much more...Keep it up, YOU are the example we all can be inspired by!!!

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  30. Puddles of tears as I read this post and listen to "Arms" and give thanks to our almighty God for the gift to your family of a life-affirming grant of a wish....your family was blessed by this as you are blessing us in the sharing of your journey. There are no undeserving Make a Wish recipients; please do not trouble yourself in even thinking about those who would say different. I am proud to be a Make a Wish contributor and your story means that I will more generous the next time I have the opportunity to donate. God Bless. Sarah D

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  31. Not liking at ALL that someone could even dare to say that your daughter and your family did not deserve to take that trip to DisneyWorld. You have had to fight one of the scariest, most stressful battles any mom (or family) can imagine. I am sorry someone said that to you, because it was just mean. I hope you had a wonderful time, and I am praying today for sweet Lucy's appetite and energy to return. Please, Lord...be with the Krulls today as they continue to put their hope and trust in You. May your Presence bring them peace and calm in the midst of the storm. Amen.

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  32. My nephew had a wish granted (once he was feeling up to it)! He has been cancer free for 6 years! Lucy and your family deserved this magical trip!

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  33. I am so happy for Lucy. I was (am) a Chi Omega and college and spent 4 years working with my chapter to grant wishes to give hope to sweet children like Lucy. It was the best experience and showed hope to all who saw someone else's wish come true. Anyone who would say Lucy doesn't deserve a wish knows nothing of the wonderful organization that is Make A Wish! Praying your trip was perfect. Praying daily! Go, Lucy!

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  34. Hello Kate,

    So glad you all had a great time on your trip, and am so happy to see you back home safely. I will always pray for Lucy because I know that if either one of my little boys ever had cancer I would want someone agreeing with me in prayer for a quick recovery.

    As far as the man or woman who made that comment to you about your family taking that trip, he or she needs a lot of prayer. That person is hurting and doesn't know the kind of love that you do from God, family and friends. You have a great deal of love surrounding you, and that person is envious. I know you love your daughter more than life itself and if you had to choose, you would have gladly opted for Lucy to have never had cancer over going on that trip any day! That man or woman just wasn't thinking when they made that remark. He or she is just really sad, and needs a lot of love.

    Thank you for your strength, hope, and vulnerability. You have been an encouragement through your blog, and I know that Jesus is proud of the testimony that you continue to share with all of us. I know you challenge me where I lack so greatly in my walk with Him, and others, and I thank you for that because I continue to need it so much!

    Blessings galore and more,
    Charity in Atoka

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  35. Shame on the person who wrote that! People often have trouble getting past their own jealouy----they don't see the day-to-day battles, they only see the rewards that they can't have. So sad. I pray that person stays ignorant, because living with medical challenges is not for everyone. Our MAW trip was magical and even though our son is doing really well right now, he deserved every bit of it and so did his siblings. Can't wait to see your trip post!

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  36. You ALL deserve the wish. God Bless and best of luck.

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  37. I was saddened to read that someone would be so callous. Of course, Lucy and your dear family deserve this trip. Being on the mend means that maybe she will be able to enjoy this much needed opportunity that she probably wouldn't have felt up to before. Praying for weight gain and strength for all of you.

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  38. I've been reading about and praying for Lucy for a while now, but never responded. Oh I've typed out several responses, but I didn't want you to have to take the time to read my trite words. However, I am going to send this one. Whoever said Lucy should not be granted her wish should be ashamed of themselves. ALL children are deserving of having a wish granted, especially ones who have been through what Lucy has been through. I hope that person NEVER has a loved one, much less a child, go through what you've been through. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with ya'll. May your Christmas be merry and your New Year healthy.

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  39. I can't believe someone so SELFISH would say something like that. Lucy and your family both deserve a dream come true. Yalls family has changed drastically. I'm sure the wish at Disney was a time of yalls life. I am still praying for Lucy everyday! I hope y'all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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  40. I stumbled on your blog reading about MAW. My 15 year old is 'healthy', but has a serious heart condition and is going to have a valve replacement after he goes into failure. Your incident is my worst fear. I don't think those outside that have no children with a disease or close and personal experience understand the years and toll it takes on a family. And that you do deserve the right to have a special time. She deserved her wish for sure.

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