Magical Gift

I don't even know where to begin with this post. 

We had originally hoped to have part or a whole week "off" before transplant started. The idea was proposed to us that we take a "magical" trip for just a few days to get away from it all....it sounded pretty good!

When the doctors ordered seven days of chemo, though, I thought it had put the kibosh on any plans. But Rabbi Steve came through with an amazing team of Dream Makers and we had a short whirlwind adventure that was simply breathtaking. We left Thursday around noon and returned just as Shabbat began on Friday....and we made every minute count. 

Our kids have never been so surprised in their lives. We told Sam first and let him tell David and Yael. Here's the reaction:

The plane ride alone was an immense treat and we were in awe of the gorgeous suite of rooms at our hotel (no offense to Old McDonald's House but it was three times (or more!) larger than our room there!)...

On the plane

Wait, who's flying this thing??

Possibly the highlight and the part that made one day at Disney possible was our VIP tour guide, Marian. She was as sweet as could be and her perma-FastPass meant that we never waited in a single line. (Super helpful for avoiding crowded spaces, by the way. I also carried my own supply of bleach wipes and hand sanitizer!) From 9am-3pm, we rode over 11 rides (and had lunch and met Mickey!) and some of them twice. It was awesome. Sam kept repeating over and over, "this is the best day ever!"

(I have a million more pics on my camera....)

Gratitude? It doesn't even begin to describe it. We are bursting with it. It was the most amazing gift our family has ever received. It was an experience that will hold its magic for us for a long time to come. 

It wasn't without its poignancy however. I couldn't help but wince each time one of the kids would talk about "next time" or "when we come back." I can't say when that will be. I want to believe that the next step is going to be smooth sailing and blue skies. I want to believe it so badly that I've almost made myself believe it will be true. But every so often I'm hit with the ton of bricks that is the reality of this situation and I can't help but be scared and sad. 

But for a few hours....we were able to forget. The magic of Disney World surely worked magic on all of us. Truly, it was a blessing and a gift that we will never forget. Thank you.