Father's Day & Dream Foundation Wish Granted for Mom!

I have to confess that since Mom's diagnosis, Dad has been a bit neglected. He's never uttered a single complaint, but for the last 10 months, our world has revolved around Mom. I see Mom almost every day, and it's always about her. I have managed to work in a few coffee dates with Dad, but other than that, I ask Mom what she would like to do (thrift store, nails) and once we're done, it's often time for me to go home.

Father's Day was a good reminder that it's time to shift the balance. We kidnapped Dad, and didn't tell him where we were going. On the 1 1/2 hour drive to San Diego, we had fun "accidentally" revealing what we were doing: Legoland waterpark, Tijuana, doing a ride along with boarder patrol.

Originally, I was going to just take Dad, but Mom and my brother wanted to "get out of the house," even though we really couldn't afford their admission.

Dad was a Sea Scout when he was 14 and lived in San Francisco, and ships and sailing have been a life-long interest of his. Years ago, when we were exploring Balboa park, Dad saw a sign for the Maritime Museum mentioned that he would love to go there, but we never did.

View of the Russian submarine.

I picked this activity because I thought he would like it. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it myself. I realized I was probably going to when we parked and the "museum" was actually a collection of different ships and submarines that you board and explore.

My favorite was the Star of India, which first set sail from the Irish Sea in 1863 is the world's oldest active ship. It has circumnavigated the world 21 times, spending a quarter of a century transporting emigrants from England to New Zealand.

Old + new. The Star of India

Mom and Glen waited along the water and people watched while Dad and I hopped from ship to ship. We stopped briefly in Old Town before heading home, skipping all of the expensive restaurants, and opting to eat at home. Mom could not stop talking about what a lovely day it was. She loved the sunshine and scenery...even though it wasn't anything she wanted to do. She's that content and easy to please.

On the ride home, my thoughts drifted toward all of the things I would like to do with her this summer, but can't because of the cost of IVF. I'm not going to beat around the bush here: IVF cost us $20,000, some of which we are still paying back. I took my blood test this morning, but don't expect it to be positive because two home tests have been negative. This means we will need to do it again. Knowing this, I told Mom "we will do a day trip to San Diego this summer!" And of course, she was happy with that.

But I had almost forgot that I applied for a Dream Foundation wish for Mom months ago. It is an amazing organization that makes dreams come true adults facing a life-threatening illness. I didn't even realize that they had put Mom's Dream up under their Adopt a Dream section. When I submitted this, I hoped, but did not think, we would be lucky enough to have her wish granted. I imagined there were hundreds, if not thousands, of requests, all very deserving. 

They called this week to say it was granted, and I was over-the-moon elated! A family in San Francisco chose to adopt Mom's wish, and raised part of the funds by hosting a yard sale. The foundation asked if it would be alright for the family to present the wish to Mom, and of course I said yes. I have not ruined the surprise, even though it is a tough secret to keep!

Mom is going to be so surprised! When I told her I was filling this out, I asked her: If you could go anywhere for a long weekend, where would it be? She said San Diego, to the Animal Park. She has no idea that they have a Roar & Snore Safari, or that I put the request in for that! This is so much more than just spending a day in San Diego, and will coincide nicely with their 45th wedding anniversary! I am so happy that we get to meet the family who did this, so we can thank them. When things are not as tough, Nathan and I plan to give back and adopt a dream for someone else.

Paula

 Diagnosis: Lung cancer

"To visit San Diego with her family"

While her children were growing up, Paula, 62, sacrificed luxuries such as a car and the ability to take her family on vacation because of her desire be a stay-at-home mom and care for her two kids, one who is disabled. Determined to be able give her mother a reprieve from financial strife, Paula’s daughter put herself through college and graduate school in order to help her parents pay their bills and treat them to little getaways every now and then: things she never experienced as a child. But with mounting expenses related to Paula’s cancer, the money her daughter contributes can no longer go toward anything than medical bills and rent. Having lived a whole lifetime not once being able to give her family a vacation, Paula longs to do just that. Her daughter says, “The idea of getting away appeals to Mom because she knows that if only for that brief time, she will not have to go to any doctor’s appointments. She wants to visit San Diego because ‘it isn’t too far, but it’s a different world.’” Paula hopes to enjoy a few days out of town with her beloved family and visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Paula is 62 years old and resides in CaliforniaDonate To This Dream!

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Funds Needed: $1000

No miles needed!