Today is Tuesday, December 11th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1207

Last weekend, we had the fun of taking in Iowa's Jolly Holiday Lights in Des Moines, o-ohing and a-ahing over the Christmas lights in the nearly 3 mile trek with grandchildren. All the money raised goes to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa, giving wishes to 'children battling life-threatening medical conditions'.
 
This is especially close to our family, as our son-in-law has one niece who has had a wish granted and another niece who is the process of getting hers granted. The average wish costs about $8,000, as trips, etc. often times include the entire family and the wish is generally done first-rate.
 
The Jolly Holiday Lights booklet gave us a glimpse of one of those Iowa journeys, written by the family and about Alex and their trip to Washington D.C. (in part):
 
"On Thursday, we were told what restaurant to eat at that evening as they donated our meal - wonderful Italian - and were told to be outside waiting at 4:50 for our ride to pick us up for the evening tour of D.C. As we stood on the sidewalk, coming from the other direction, we were struck by the sirens and sight of a Presidential Motorcade - Alex said, 'wow' as it went by, and THEN it did a U-turn and came back to pull up in front of us!
 
"The secret service piled out from the vehicles and a man approached Alex to let him know they were here to pick him up and escort him through the city!
 
"Once we got into the limo, the secret service was amazing - telling Alex he was in the presidential, bullet proof limo and that for that night wherever he went in the city, people would think he was 'the man'. The motorcade took off, stopping traffic, making everyone turn to look at ALEX and letting him shine in the spotlight! Alex laughed as we watched people taking photos of the motorcade.
 
"Our first stop was the Pentagon where we were greeted by an Admiral from the Navy. Our next stop took our breath away again: as we pulled up in front of the Jefferson Monument, there were already secret service agents holding people back and, as Alex stepped out of the car, he was completely surrounded by security.
 
"I will never forget the look on Alex's face as he watched people moving out of HIS way, with him getting the direct attention! Everywhere we walked, our guide introduced Alex as 'president for the day'; and everyone stopped to clap!
 
"Our final stop was for a tour of the West Wing of the White House! The sniper on the roof actually waved at Alex! Inside the White House we got to play with BOTH the Bush's dogs - Barney and Ms. Beasley!
 
"The whole experience was beyond words!! A night we will NEVER forget!! The people we met were amazing---they each gave their time, but gave so much more in the messages they gave to Alex about courage, bravery, sprituality, strength, resilience, and character!! So many people that night prayed for Alex - a true gift! A MAGICAL night!"

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