Wish Big

I'm glad to finally share some of the joy that our family has been gifted. A year ago this month Hayden was granted a Make-A-Wish. It was just prior to his third spine surgery.   Little did we know that the rest of the year, he would have such a rough go medically and yet we feel fortunate to have sustained and endure many more hospital stays (that were not all positive) and surgeries.

The good news of the wish gave him much to talk about and much to look forward to. He would tell all of his nurses and doctors about his treehouse during each stay at the hospital.

Here we are a year later and construction has begun.

Make-A-Wish grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.  http://cstx.wish.org/

 

When he was interviewed during the wish process, he expressed a great desire to have a treehouse that he could throw airplanes out of the window.  A treehouse for someone in a wheelchair is additionally complicated. Fortunately, we have a great tree and a great space. The kids can't wait to wheel up into the new tree house in the 200 year old oak tree. It has the best views and you can see downtown and the highschool football stadium from up there.

The ramp will be straight out.  If you look closely at this picture you can see the red strings that outline the length.

Before we said anything, we got approval to post on social media. We are thrilled to show you the progress. Every day Hayden is overjoyed as he sees it coming along.  He has talked about it at his school to all of his friends into his teachers. The principal had suggested if they finish within the school year, his class can do a special field trip.

They have worked steadily through the weather and impressed me. Austin Tree Houses https://www.facebook.com/Austin-Tree-Houses-345741055502353/?fref=ts is donating time and expertise and Tri Supply (whom I used for our home construction) has donated the windows and doors. I don't have any more of the information for most of the donations that go into this. But for all those that have helped make this possible, thank you!

However, they are needing volunteers from the community to help construct the most important part which is the ramp. We will be digging holes on Friday afternoon for the post to support the long ramp.

It is the greatest wish and long-term gift as the treehouse will get to continue on and bless our entire family. The timing couldn't be better as he will have to undergo extensive 12 hour surgery this summer where he will have a 6 week recovery.  Instead of dreading the summer, he will have the treehouse to focus his energy and good thoughts to get back to playing independently.