Thankful for Dreams . . .

Yesterday's post was in regard to All Children's Hospital. Today, I am sharing my thanks for The Children's Dream Fund. The CDF is very much like Make-A-Wish only it is focused primarily on central Florida. They grant dreams to critically and terminally ill children. They have stolen my heart!

On Miles' very first hospital stay for an infusion, we were visited by a representative from the Children's Dream Fund. They had been directed to us through the hospital, I believe (another kudos to them!). The representative told Miles - she spoke to him (not me!) - that whatever his little heart could dream up, they would work as hard as they could to make it come true. They offered him examples of past dreams granted: new computers, shopping sprees, giant playsets, trips to anywhere, cruises, meeting celebrities, a new bike, anything!

So, Miles politely asked if he could think about it. She immediately smiled and told him, "Of course." I'll come see you again on your next hospital visit."

What you need to know is that Miles' particular disease kept him very immobile. Not out of choice, but it attacked his muscles leaving him very, very weak. When we had been getting steroid infusions at the outpatient center, he had very few options to keep himself entertained. There was a plethora of movies, but it was viewed by everyone, so the choice needed to be mutual. He could do homework. Ew! Or . . . he could read. He chose the latter.

When we again visited ACH, the representative came - as she promised. She asked Miles if he had come up with a dream and if it was HIS dream alone. He replied, "Yes!" I really had no idea what he had come up. She asked to know what he wanted and he said, quite matter-of-factly, "I would like my own library!" The Children's Dream Fund rep just absolutely beamed. This was a new one for her!

Just a few short weeks later, after Miles designed his bookshelf along with laminate colors and even getting to make a wishlist of books, we were blessed with a visit by the CDF fairy! He received a beautiful bookshelf, 5' tall and 8' long, built by Ruhl Entertprises, funded by The Palm Harbor Junior Women's Club and filled by Barnes and Noble. It was an extraordinary gift which allowed Miles to escape into whatever story he was reading and away from treatments, poking, prodding, and infusions. What a gift these Dream Fund folks are.

We are privileged to call them friends and we've been so touched we've given back to them on many occasions to pay-it-forward to help other sick children. Should you be looking for a charity or a way to really impact a life . . . go to www.childrensdreamfund.org and find out ways that you can make dreams come true.

We are thankful for The Children's Dream Fund! VERY MUCH SO!