When we arrived to our destination, we ended up at the National Eagle Center. Here, I was introduced as the person who made this trip for all of us possible. No one really knew who I was or why my dad and I were there. They soon found out, that I too, have cancer much like all of the children that were sitting in that room. I shared my story with them and than I engaged the children by asking them if they had any heroes or superheros. I heard everything from Batman, Spider man, Superman, Thor and than I heard this little 4 year old voice shout out a PRINCESS!!!! All I could do was just look at this little girl in awe and tell her that she indeed looked like a princess to me. She was so petite with a big smile and hair missing from her cute shaped little head. I knew she had been through something pretty tough. So, I turned to all the kids and said "do you know who my heroes are?" The room was silent with big eyes awaiting my answer.
"My heroes are all sitting in this room. They are anywhere from ages 4-13. Some have scars that match mine, some are afraid of needles, some may be tired, and some may be missing some hair. All the kids in this room, you are my heroes! So, for one day I wanted to take the opportunity to erase the sadness, forget the scars and the needles, the doctors and that medicine that makes you feel really icky and replace that all with fun and smiles."
I shared with them that my family and friends presented me with a check of $1,500 dollars on February 14, my last day of treatment. That my family asked people to donate 14 dollars on the 14th for me to use however I want. So, because of all the generous people who gave out of the goodness of their heart, this allowed me to fund the entire day for these children and their families, including the charter bus for travel.
Here is a run down of our day. We saw a live eagle presentation and learned all things about these amazing birds. We were able to touch their feathers, feel how heavy they are, watch one poop and than eat a fish. We also learned that the female eagle weighs more than the male and dominates. After the presentation, we got to see real eagles up close and personal and than walk around the museum.
When we were finished there, the real fun began.
We hoped on the bus, and made our way to Lark Toys in Kellogg, Minnesota. Lark Toys is one of the 10 coolest toy stores in the world and is most known for the largest hand-carved wooden carousel. There is also over 20,000 sq. ft for the kiddos to explore and this is one of the largest family owned and operated specialty toy stores in the U.S. We looked at ALL the gazillion toys, played with a gazillion toys, rode the carousel a few times, played unlimited miniature golf, and saw llamas.
We also filled up on hot dogs, potato chips, sodas, water and a BIG scoop of different flavored ice cream!!!! Not one family had to pay a dime!
At the end of the day, little PRINCESS and I became good friends. She let me ride the carousel with her and than grabbed my hand and MADE me come watch her play mini-golf. She also pulled my ring of my finger and carried it around for the rest of the time. I didn't think I would get that one back. She didn't let go of my hand until we got into the toy story where she found this purple slap bracelet with a lizard on it. She tells me that purple is her favorite color. I asked her what was on her bracelet and I don't think I have ever heard the word lizard come out sounding so dang cute! Her dad made her put it back, so of course I snuck it out of the basket and up to the register I went. My little princess, she got that bracelet. I sat with her on the bus so none of the other kids would see (I wish I could have bought every single one of them something). She was crying, which again melted my heart. I said princess I have something for you. She stopped crying and looked at me with the saddest, crocodile teared face and I pulled out the bracelet, put it on her little wrist and said...."next week, when you go see your doctors, you wear this bracelet and when you see that needle (she doesn't like her port accessed) or feel scared, look at the lizard and remember how much fun you had today!" She simply nodded and hid her arm behind her back. She didn't want her mom to see the bracelet and take it away. That's my princess. (Her face is blurred out of respect for her and her parents)
All of the kids on this trip were so awesome. You would have a hard time believing that any of them had or are fighting the cancer battle. They were incredibly well behaved and everyone was so grateful. It was like one big family before the day was over. My dad loved it too. He was smiling almost as much as the kids were all day long and he interacted with the kids too. I love my dad so much!
Through this whole day, we saw smiles, some tears, and heard lots of laughter. I really can't even find the words to explain how blessed I feel to have had the opportunity to do this for these families. Yes, we received so many thank yous from parents and kids. But, neither my dad or I expected any of that. All we simply wanted was to take the pain away for 8 hours and I can only pray that happened. These kids and their families are so very special and all found a way into my heart very quickly.
So, to those who donated, whoever you all may be......I can't not express how grateful I am to all of you! To my family and friends who know me and made this possible, I love you so much for doing that. You all truly know me and the things that make my heart happy. May God bless every single one of you. My Cup has indeed runneth over!
