Star Raising Party and Clinic 7-23-12

To really tell the story of our family’s Make-A-Wish trip I must start with Jacob's Star Raising Party. The Utah Make-A-Wish Foundation has a “Wishing Place” in Salt Lake City where they place a star on the ceiling for every “Wish Child” that has a wish granted there.  A week before our trip, on July 23rd, we had a party to celebrate Jacob’s healing and to raise his star. We also wanted to honor our family and friends for the wonderful love and support that you have shown us.

In order to invite out-of-town family and accommodate reunions, holidays and vacations, the party was held on the same day that Jacob had his monthly clinic appointment for his IV chemo. This made the party particularly poignant for me. It was wonderful to be surrounded by friends and family in a sweet, special place. I was so grateful that so many could come; thank you!!

We showed a slide-show video (link below) of the last several months; it’s entitled “Jacob’s Journey.”  And we also wanted to honor Isaac and Elizabeth for being the world’s best siblings.

The most fun was letting all of Jacob’s friends have a little Jedi Training…

…and then we let them all take a whack at Darth Vader who appeared from behind the curtain!

And finally Jacob raised his star to the top of the wishing place. It was a wonderful moment.

Again, we’re so grateful for all of our friends and family—and even strangers who’ve become friends—for loving us through this journey. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers over these past months and thank you for caring about our family. We love you and we’re grateful for you. And thank you to the Make-A-Wish foundation and Jacob’s wish granters for giving us such an incredible gift.

(And thank you to the anonymous uncle who played Darth Vader—that was not a comfortable job but we really appreciate it! And to his sweet wife for her sweet photography skills, love you guys!) 

Jacob’s Journey Slide Show from Star-Raising Party July 2012