A WISH for Cold Tea? Ana's aMAWzing Disney Trip! 12/1-12/7 ~Last Entry~ p.127

[3prettyprincesses]

Oh sure, over here it is tough work. Everywhere else Marv should be pumpin' out updates on an hourly basis!!!

So why does Tim get A - pass and I get A - buse???

Yeah, there seems to be a HUGE double standard from the ladies around here. But then, I'm really not surprised........

Aw Marv, I know it's hard work for you too. It's hard for you to leave your TR un-updated, change your contest rules 100 times and then rely on Dan to do the work.

Well, in Tim's defense, he updated WHILE ON VACATION. True dedication. I'm just sayin...

Double standard? Oh shush, you're just trying to get us ladies all riled up.

 

[that's nice]

Oh sure, over here it is tough work. Everywhere else Marv should be pumpin' out updates on an hourly basis!!! So why does Tim get A - pass and I get A - buse???

WHAT!!!!

I never get a pass... NEVER.

Yeah, there seems to be a HUGE double standard from the ladies around here. But then, I'm really not surprised........

At least it isn't surprising. You know they stick together.

I didn't know they had cameras back when Rosie was that young????

Oh!

Nice model train setup! Love to have that one in my house.....

There are so many details... I couldn't capture how big it is!

That ceiling still amazes me!!! I'm sure it was a lot easier adding Princess Ana's star to that collection than it has been for some people! So glad she is well on her way to a long and happy Big Sister life, and so sad for so many of the families of the little angels designated there!

Thank you Marv... It was emotional seeing all those stars up there.

Not completely gone......but apparently forgotten!!!

Oh Marv.... your not forgotten.

No they used a Rock and a chisel !!!!

CLASSIC!!!!!

enjoyed the relaxing day around the complex...it is a great place and they have a bunch of really neat things for the kids.

i bet some families stay there the whole trip

It is nice for families to know that they can relax around the village and have a down day yet still have activities to do!

 

[KatMark]

Aw Marv, I know it's hard work for you too. It's hard for you to leave your TR un-updated, change your contest rules 100 times and then rely on Dan to do the work.

Well, in Tim's defense, he updated WHILE ON VACATION. True dedication. I'm just sayin...

Double standard? Oh shush, you're just trying to get us ladies all riled up.

Yes, and Tim is dealing with a pregnant wife too! So he gets a little leeway (but not much!).

WHAT!!!!

I never get a pass... NEVER.

True, I was even bothering you the other day.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

WHAT!!!!

I never get a pass... NEVER.

At least it isn't surprising. You know they stick together.

Hey, remember my vow? I'm not asking for an update not that I wouldn't enjoy one of course. Ana is quite the celebrity here!

Double hey! Well, I see how it is Timmy. I suppose I'll have to withdraw my said vow now because of this comment. Wait a minute, aren't you doing the same thing by siding with Marv, hmm? Hmm?rolleyes: So I guess dudes stick together too.

Yes, and Tim is dealing with a pregnant wife too! So he gets a little leeway (but not much!).

True, I was even bothering you the other day.

That's right Kathy, you tell him. Oh wait, I suppose a comment like mine right there will just further fan the flames for Marv's argument that we chicks stick together...

Kathy, you don't bother. It's a gentle nudge, nothing more.

 

[All7OfUs]

So behind on most of my threads, but I was thinking about you today. Hope Mel is feeling well, and Ana is healthy. Lots of funny chatter here, but it's one of those days I'm too far stacked up to read it all. UGH! I hate that!!

Anyway, did get your PM...

 

[that's nice]

Aw Marv, I know it's hard work for you too. It's hard for you to leave your TR un-updated, change your contest rules 100 times and then rely on Dan to do the work.

WOW!

Well, in Tim's defense, he updated WHILE ON VACATION. True dedication. I'm just sayin...

That's right! You tell 'em sister!

Yes, and Tim is dealing with a pregnant wife too! So he gets a little leeway (but not much!).

Melody read this last night while I was out... She was wondering what I was DEALING with?

True, I was even bothering you the other day.

Yes you were.

Hey, remember my vow? I'm not asking for an update not that I wouldn't enjoy one of course. Ana is quite the celebrity here!

Hey! I remember.

Double hey! Well, I see how it is Timmy. I suppose I'll have to withdraw my said vow now because of this comment. Wait a minute, aren't you doing the same thing by siding with Marv, hmm? Hmm?rolleyes: So I guess dudes stick together too.

I'm just sticking with the people getting bashed, that's all. It just happens to be Marv.

So behind on most of my threads, but I was thinking about you today. Hope Mel is feeling well, and Ana is healthy. Lots of funny chatter here, but it's one of those days I'm too far stacked up to read it all. UGH! I hate that!!

Anyway, did get your PM...

Hey Liesa!

Thanks for stopping by! I know how it is... I'm still behind from being away. I don't think I will ever catch up.

 

[marvali]

That's right! You tell 'em sister!

Hey! Whose side are you on anyway???

I'm just sticking with the people getting bashed, that's all. It just happens to be Marv.

Oh okay, I see how it is!!!

 

[englishrose47]

Marv soo deserves all the picking he gets !! He is just brutal right Kathy !! I mean these guys are all brutal but Marv is the "Leader of the Pack"I mean Glenn has me flashing, Marv has me back in the stone age !!As for Tim and Dan they just egg them on!!!None of them believe me when I say ow very seet and innocent I am !!!

 

[Moira222]

Your pics are awesome - I love the squidward picture...if only you could have had Ana and Squiddy both with the shower cap
Every time I see that ceiling of stars I get teary eyes. Its beautiful and bittersweet at the same time, and its so cool that they will never ever take them down (a friend stayed there last year & told me that)

I think that you had the perfect way to spend your last day -- no rushing and craziness, just letting Ana enjoy her special place and everything it had to offer.

Looking forward to your mystery surprise....and your next TR!

 

[that's nice]

Hey! Whose side are you on anyway???

Ummmm... is this a trick question?

Oh okay, I see how it is!!!

I'm sorry. I'll post a new Yankees pic on your TR to cheer you up!

Marv soo deserves all the picking he gets !! He is just brutal right Kathy !! I mean these guys are all brutal but Marv is the "Leader of the Pack"I mean Glenn has me flashing, Marv has me back in the stone age !!As for Tim and Dan they just egg them on!!!None of them believe me when I say ow very seet and innocent I am !!!

Rosie, I believe you are sweet and innocent.




Then again.....

Your pics are awesome - I love the squidward picture...if only you could have had Ana and Squiddy both with the shower cap

LOL that would of been funny!

Every time I see that ceiling of stars I get teary eyes. Its beautiful and bittersweet at the same time, and its so cool that they will never ever take them down (a friend stayed there last year & told me that)

They are running out of space and are expanding the building so they can fit more stars. It is a sight to see.

I think that you had the perfect way to spend your last day -- no rushing and craziness, just letting Ana enjoy her special place and everything it had to offer.

Thank you. It was relaxing.

 

[that's nice]

On the way to the car, we stopped in the GKTW gift shop and bought a few souvenirs, packed those away, and started driving. It was an unforgettable week and GKTW was an amazing experience not just for Juliana, but her her parents too.

We had a little time before we had to be at the airport so we thought we could fit in a quick stop at DTD, you know, for those last minute gifts.

I just love this sign....

We walked into the WoD and there was a commotion near the BBB. We went to see what was going on and come to find out, every day at 2pm, the BBB holds a princess parade from the WoD to the carousel for a carousel ride. Since Juliana was there the day before they let her join in with the parade. She received a princess ticket to join in the parade.

The Fairy Godmothers in training lined up all the girls and taught them how to wave like princesses. Some how Juliana was in the front...

The parade started and there was music playing over the speakers making everyone aware what was going on. All the people at DTD moved to the sides and waved to all the girls... it was really sweet.

Here is a short video of the parade (Click on picture to see video)

They made their way though the shops...

Till they arrived at the carousel!

All the girls rode the carousel together. It was really cute. After the ride, the girls got to pose with the BBB CMs.

Juliana really had a great time! We had a few more minutes to shop before we had to drive over to the airport.

DTD Christmas Tree

Juliana used her gift card to buy a pink Cinderella crystal slipper, which we are going to get engraved with the date of her Wish trip. A few more quick looks in a few stores, then it was time to wave goodbye to DTD.

At MCO, the security line was long as always. We were there in plenty of time so we weren't worried. As we got closer to the checkpoint, there was a TSA agent standing near us.

Melody asked him, 'Are you using the full body scanners?'
TSA 'Sometimes. You can opt out and have a pat down if you are chosen. Why?'
Melody, 'I just found out I am pregnant and my daughter had kidney cancer so I would prefer if she didn't have to go through the scanners either.'
TSA 'I hope you don't mind that I ask this, but was it a Wilms Tumor?'

Once again, people really don't know about Wilms. It is a very uncommon tumor with only 500 cases diagnosed in the US a year.

Come to find out this TSA agents daughter has been battling a Wilms tumor herself but has been having a much harder battle than Juliana. Her cancer keeps spreading. The cancer has spread to her lungs and brain. Not only has she been going through multiple rounds of chemo but radiation too.

Both Melody & I are talking with this TSA agent, whose name is Rick, with tears in our eyes trying to make it though security. We get to the metal detector and get though the scanning process and Rick is there with us again. We talk with him for a few more minutes. {His daughter's name is Erin and we have been following her caringbridge page since we got home. She has gotten some good news last week and it seem like she is winning the latest battle but her war isn't over yet.} We tell Rick that we will be praying for his daughter and he tells us that seeing how well Juliana looks has given him new hope that his daughter will be cancer free someday. After he said that, I nearly lost it. There are so many innocent kids out there fighting everyday for their lives and speaking to Rick hit so close to home with us. We are so lucky and thankful that Juliana has done as well as she has. I thank God and her doctors for that.

We walked over to the last ride in Florida- the FAKE monorail.

We had front row seats...

While we were waiting for our plane we saw a Southwest Shamu plane. We wanted to fly home on that one!!!!

My little traveler...

Dinner on the plane.

Sunset in Florida.

The flight was boring- and that's a good thing! Juliana was watching her movies.

Before we knew it, we had landed back in good 'ol CT!

We grabbed our luggage and went outside for our ride home.

Juliana received one last gift... from Santa our limo driver!

Juliana played Wii on the way home.

We made it home safely and were walking in the door just after 9pm. Not too shabby!!!! I posted this on my PTR at 11:30.

Hi everyone.... Not only have I missed you, but I have missed what it is like responding from my computer. I really hate typing on a phone. It takes so so long to respond and 1 wrong move... POOF! What you had just spent 30 minutes typing is gone in a second. Forget the multiquoting....



Anyways we are here... home at our house in CT. We were walking in the door about 9:10. Not to bad. I know you guys are anxious for the TR but I will need a day or two to sort out what just happened! LOL You know once I start, I will post the link here. I will probably just keep this thread going for a few days before I shut this one down. I hope you all had a good week... you will hear about ours soon.

We really had a once in a lifetime trip! I like to thank everyone for following along with us. Here are a few links to keep in mind.

Connecticut Make-A-Wish ct.wish.org Juliana is going to be featured in a story coming up very soon. Keep checking back to see it!

Give Kids the World www.gktw.org/ I know times are tough, but GKTW is run by donations. Every little bit helps. Maybe your employer will match?

Also if anyone was interested in the Big Give to help Wish kids here on the DIS, please PM me, billwendy (wendy), or anyone you see here on the DIS with a DISboutiquers sign in their signature. We can tell you how you can make a difference in a child's life.






I have another TR coming up soon and I will post a link here when I start it. Hopefully, it will happen in a few days or so. This should be a quick TR. I am so sorry this TR has lasted 4 months and I am sad that it is over..... I never thought it would take me this long. Thank you again for reading.

 

[KatMark]

Okay, I have a request. Could you please go back to doing your updates AFTER I am in bed and I can read first thing in the a.m. when I'm still at home. I'm sitting here with tears running down my cheeks after reading Rick's story. How very blessed you and Mel are that Ana is fine; I hope that Rick's daughter will also be cancer free one day. My dad used to like to say when he heard that a child had cancer or some other ailment, that that is not the way it was supposed to be (he was about 80 when he said this); he said, "I've lived my life as have other older people, this should happen to someone who has lived their life and not a young child."

A great wrap-up Tim; I am so glad that you, Mel and Ana were able to share this wonderful trip at the GTKW and have such wonderful memories. These are my favorite pictures from this last update:

Please give Princess Ana a very special hug for me today.

 

[mommy2mrb]

I sit here wiping tears from my eyes....what a wonderful day to end your aMAWzing trip... to hear about Rick and his family is heartbreaking....we will look for him on our trip and tell him hi from you all.

what a wonderful treat to have Santa bring you home....

thank you Tim for sharing your trip with us all (and for getting it done before we leave on Saturday )

your family is so special and we pray you continue to have many blessings with Ana's health, a great pregnancy for Mel and a sweet, healthy baby boy soon!

we will continue to keep in touch with you!

 

[chloe770]

I too have tears in my eyes after reading Rick's story. I thank you for posting it tho. It is a reminder to me of how lucky and blessed I am to have 2 healthy, beautiful children and that I should not complain about the little things like my DD's teething. I could have it much worse. I'm so glad Juliana is now healthy and I will pray for Rick's DD to one day be the same.

Oh and for a Princess parade and a safe trip home!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The world is remarkably small, isn't it? My heart goes out to Rick's family, I hope Erin continues to recieve good news! It sounds like Rick really appreciated meeting you all.

That BBB parade is too cute! How fun that Juliana was able to participate!

 

[dizneeat]

Thank you for doing the trip report for all of us and letting us come along and share all your wonderful adventures.
You sure have a cute little princess on your hands and soon a cute little prince as well!

It's great Juliana was allowed to come along to ride the carousel! It is one touching sight to see - we were lucky enough to catch the BBB princesses while being at DTD!

My heart goes out to Rick and his family and it goes to show that it IS a small world after all! There are not many people who are familiar with Wilms tumors, but we had a case here in Austria a few years back and it was a near disaster one - fortunately the little girl had the strengh to pull through - so when I first read Ana's story it really hit me!

Thank you again and a little thank you will go to GKTW too!

 

[p00h4me]

Great timing for Juliana to participate in the BBB parade and carousel ride with the other at DTD! What a wonderful ending for Juliana's wish trip!

What a great idea to buy a Cinderella crystal slipper to get engraved to remember this special trip by!

I also got teary eyed reading about Rick and his daughter, Erin. Praying Erin will be cancer free! So glad that you were all able to go through the metal detectors.

Did Juliana say what her most favorite part of her trip was?

Thanks for spending the time to share with us your family's wonderful pixie dust filled trip!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Oh Tim. This isn't the first time you've left me speechless and crying. How exactly do you do that? It is amazing that you crossed paths with Rick. I am glad that he was able to find some strength in seeing Juliana. I will pray for his daughter's fight. I can only hope that the outcome is the same.

I love that Santa was the same limo driver and that she got another little friend. Thank you for posting the two links, I'll keep checking for Ana's story. I also know that my work will match donations, so hopefully we can get something to them.

I look forward to the upcoming report. As always, thank you for sharing your Disney adventures with us. I look forward to many more trip reports with your upcoming new addition!

 

[LilAnn]

I finally got all caught up on your TR and just have to say, thank you again for sharing this experience with us. I don't even know how many times I have had tears in my eyes reading this story, Rick's story being the latest. I hope that their little girl wins her battle. I'm glad that you were able to give him some hope. We try to do that at work as well, pair up some of the current families with families that have gone through it all before so they can see the "light at the end of the tunnel" and just know that they are not alone.

Reading your TR has given me so much to talk about with one of my fave little patients and they can't wait for their trip to the village this spring (fingers crossed it won't be pushed back again). It is just amazing how much they do for the kids there.

Thanks again for letting me tag along for the ride, and I can't wait to read about your next trip. Loved the FB pics/previews.

 

[marvali]

What a great conclusion to your trip! You know, sometimes we get so wrapped up in our little DIS world and the few people we frequently interact with here that we fail to realize just how many stories like yours there are out there! Hearing Rick's story just makes us all realize even more that there are so many children out there (and their families) struggling with illnesses and not being able to just worry about little things like bumps and bruises and skinned knees!

So glad that Rick was uplifted and saw a ray of hope by seeing Princess Juliana! Her happiness and smile and energy with all she has been through is something I wish for all children of the families out there going through similar circumstances.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us and making us feel a part of it! All of us who "know" Princess Juliana, and the strength of you and Mel with all you have been through too, is a blessing to us all! I can't wait to celebrate with you the day Juliana is pronounced cancer free!!!