Make a Wish

Recently Arley was approved to have a wish granted by the Make A Wish Foundation. I discussed with her what she would like to have as her wish and we narrowed down our choices because we were told to pick three ideas, not because they couldn't be accomplished, but in case due to weather (trip) or sickness (Arley) we could either postpone or move on to the next.

A room makeover wasn't even on our radar until I had a random conversation with my aunt and I was telling her all about our ideas and what we wanted to do versus not and she actually suggested about a room makeover. The more I thought about it the more I truly loved the idea because an experience (as most children often pick, which is totally fine!) lasts just that one day and a room makeover would last her forever. (At least until she got older and changed her mind)

The room makeover proved to be the top choice because regardless of the weather or how she was feeling it was something that could be done and had been done before. Believe me I checked. So I called up our local MAW office and let them know of our decision.

I had already been scouring Pinterest for ideas on room makeovers for giggles because let's face it making over a room can be quite pricey and now I got to choose a theme with Arley (horses) and make it come to life. Finding horse related stuff for her room proved to be quite a task. You would think that since it's very feminine that there would be an overabundance of choices, but you would be wrong. 

I did come across a beautiful horse themed set from Pottery Barn Kids and hoped that it was something they would allow us to use, but the price tag almost gave me a heart attack, but I attached the info to her vision board and continued the search on what I thought she would like in her room.

Then it was then discussed what we would like to do for the day because we couldn't be home while the work on her room was being done so I offered the idea of going to NYC. We've never been and I would love to take her to the city and possibly visit the American Girl store, Toys R Us to ride the ferris wheel and sight see.

They had to clear the idea of going to NYC with MAW headquarters because a room make over and a trip to the city could be viewed as two wishes, but I also mentioned that the American Girl store sells tons of horses and since its hard to find horse related items for Arley's room that this could possibly help in allowing us to go.

Let me just tell you, that the Connecticut chapter of Make a Wish came through for Arley like you wouldn't believe. We received a donated limo ride to and from NYC and anywhere we wanted to go while there. Donated gift cards to the American Girl store as well as a paid for lunch in their Bistro cafe. In addition, tickets to Top of the View in Rockefeller Center. 

Arley had so much fun and I am so thankful that she was feeling well enough to experience the whole thing. Our time in NYC was very limited and I hope to bring her back once the weather is warmer, but I would not trade this mother/daughter memory with her for anything else in the world.

Meanwhile, back at home the MAW team was hard at work making Arley's Pinterest vision come to life. I am incredibly pleased with the way it turned out and could not believe how beautifully it was all put together. The attention to the smallest detail is absolutely marvelous. I share with you, but one photo because as they saying goes, "A picture is worth 1000 words."

Thank you so very much to the CT chapter of Make a Wish for all that you do in making the lives of sick children just a tad bit brighter by granting them wishes to cherish for always. 

To those who donated gift cards, donated the Top of the View experience, or their time to put everything together I thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart. Your generosity to make a little girl smile is one of the greatest things you can give in this world. Thank you, thank you, thank you.