Isaac's Wish to Have a Home Theater

As a parent, you never expect your own kid to be a Make A Wish recipient. Seeing my son's eyes light up the moment he found out about his wish was worth every single day he endured going through chemo treatment for leukemia before the age of 2. Throughout treatment, one of the things he enjoyed most in the hospital was snuggling in the hospital chair with a movie on the TV, munching on his puff corn. His wish was to do redo our basement living room and make it into a home theater so he could continue to watch his favorite movies in a much comfier place, away from anything medical. Popcorn maker included.

Even three years later as he approaches his 6th birthday, the basement living room is his absolute favorite room in our house. While he doesn't know how to make the popcorn himself yet, he quickly learned he can reach inside and grab a handful whenever he wants! He's been known to sneak down and grab himself a bowl when we are otherwise distracted.

At the time of Isaac's wish, we were a family of 4. We are now a family of 6, and we try to have weekly or bi-weekly family movie nights throughout the year. Everyone gets tucked in, lights dimmed, pajamas on, blankets ready for snuggling, and popcorn bowls in everyone's laps. The basement makeover that was provided to us by Make-A-Wish is not just a one-time wish; it's a wish that keeps on giving as our family continues to grow. It allows us to connect as a family and enjoy being with each other. It's a reminder of the hard times, but also a reminder that family comes first.