MAKE-A-WISH

MAKE-A-WISH....What wonderful people they truly are!
We really wanted to do something special for Zak. Just for him. Something none of us would ever forget.
It was so hard to decide what we could do. Zak despite his gorgeousness, has no cognitive awareness. He doesn't respond to anyone and has no understanding that we know of. So how do you ask him what HE would wish for...you can't. So we thought long and hard about things we have done in the past that we saw some glimmer of a reaction with. And the one and only thing that came to mind was our day out at the Sealife center at Blackpool.
There was just something about the atmosphere there that he picked up on. It was subtle, and if you didn't know Zak inside and out, you'd never even notice. It could have been the dim lighting, the bubbles, glimpses of fish flashing by or even the background music, I don't know for sure, but I do know he was more alert there than he had been anywhere else.
So, with that in mind, added to the fact his Daddy works for the Royal Navy, the decision was obvious. Zak 'wished' to be a pirate for the day, and to go to a big sea world...and thanks to MAKE-A-WISH his wish was granted.
We drove to Newcastle and made our way to the Mal Maison hotel, where we were greeted by a room full of pirate balloons and gifts especially for Zak. Already over and above all we could have dreamt. Zak was showered with presents, from his gorgeous pirate costume and Captain Zak bath robe, to his hook and eye patch and even the inaugural cuddly toy!
Our excitment just kept going as we made our way to Frankie and Bennies (not Ben n Jerry's as I mistakingly kept referring) for tea. And what a tea...steaks all round. Even Zak manged a few small tastes of chocolate cake and ice-cream.
We walked back to our hotel. The evening was warm and as the sun began to set we watched as the lights on the Millenium bridge lit up...amazing!
Back at the hotel, it was time for a hot bath and the chance to try out his new Captain Jack Sparrow PJ's and his new bathrobe....after all this excitement Zak soon feel fast asleep, propped up in a thousand pillows.
As always Zak decided to wake us at his usual 2am slot....but where normally at home we are stressed and tired, we decided to go with the mood and had a mini part in our room, with music and silly dancing. We haven't laughed so much in a long time, and believe me it was much needed.
The following morning we woke up smiling still, and as we neared the hotel exit we felt very spoilt as our Limo was waiting to whisk us off to the Sea life center.
We were greeted by Pirate Chris, our personal tour guide, who showed us all the different displays and giving Zak a chance to touch and even hold some of the fish. There were sounds and sights and certainly smells (otters peeeeyoooo) that delighted all of Zaks senses. He squirmed as he felt the star fish and the crabs, a sure sign that he knew they were there. If this trip was good for anything, it was that!
The fun just kept coming too. The staff showed us to our table, where they had layed on a little party just for Zak. There was party food, balloons, hats and even an amazing Pirate ship cake with Zaks name on.
Once we had had our fill, we were given free reign of the center, able to come and go as we please. It was amazing. We got to see everything, and Zak, I am sure, loved every second. I know we did.
After a rather expensive visit to the gift shop, our Limo returned to take us home.
Sad that the day was ending, but happy we had made some wonderful memories, we travelled home in style. Zak slept most of the way, and I know at least one of his dreams were of him in his pirate ship and his land-lubbers with their rum and treasures!!
I cannot thank MAKE-A-WISH enough for the memories they have given us. The smiles and the laughter and the knowlege that dreams can come true.