We found out in my sixth month of pregnancy that Lindsay would be born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We left that appointment numb, scared and with a blue folder directing us to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Lindsay would need immediate open-heart surgery at birth with two planned open-heart surgeries to follow with lifelong care. Science cannot give her a left ventricle, but doctors can hope to make what she does have work for her.

It was no surprise Lindsay would choose a beach wish. We were treated to a donuts and dolphin cruise, aquarium visit, and fed Flamingos by hand. We enjoyed wonderful family meals. I remember looking at Lindsay laying on the beach chair thinking, “Wow we’ve come a long way.” I remember the days in the hospital that felt very long as we prayed she’d be okay.

Lindsay will remember her wish with gratitude. Cruises, infinity pools, spa resorts, great food, all of it. We, her family, will remember how beautiful she looked just sitting in the sand, how hard she laughed feeding the flamingos, her hot pink face mask at the resort, how she devoured meals. That's the real wish our Make-A-Wish team granted. Time, away from the routine, with our precious girl to just be Lindsay.