Helping Grant a Wish

I've been interning at Make-A-Wish North Texas this fall, and it has been a blessing in more than one way. A few weeks ago I got to be a part of a truly remarkable experience. I was a wish granter for an 8 year old named Brian who will be getting a kidney transplant soon. His wish was to go on a shopping spree and he received more than $1500 and  in-kind donations to get whatever his heart desired. We got picked up in a limo and headed out for his big day that he'd been anticipating. Brian couldn't keep a smile off his face. And neither could I. Seeing his excitement the entire day as he bought things that he's always wanted, made me so happy.

We went to a few different stores and the mall where managers and staff members treated him like a king. I couldn't believe the hospitality of all the store owners and how they went the extra mile to make Brian's wish day special. I was particularly touched by the manager at GameStop who had made a big sign welcoming Brian to the store and provided him and even bought some things for Brian on his own dime. I was reminded that there are still so many good people out there.

Throughout the day, Brian kept saying that this was the best day of his life. It was one of the longest shopping days, but certainly the most memorable. Helping him pick out his TV at Best Buy and having him pick out toys at Wal-Mart, playing with him at Legoland, made for a day where I was reminded how good it feels to do something for others. 

Make-A-Wish is such an amazing organization and I feel grateful to be a part of it! Brian touched my heart and I will never forget him.