Micah was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder shortly after he was born. Learning to walk and eat on his own took longer than other kids his age. Micah is now eight years old and his condition is not as limiting; however, his family and doctors understand that his condition could change. In April 2021, Micah qualified to receive a life-changing wish. Micah wished to have a hot tub because he loves to swim in the warm water and a hot tub would make it easy for him to have friends over to his house, where he is most comfortable. 

On his wish day, Micah’s family, friends, teachers, and Make-A-Wish supporters gathered in the garage at Micah’s home. Excitement mounted as Micah’s loved ones made signs and decorated the garage to announce Micah’s wish. Plans were made in secret for Micah’s hot tub to be delivered to his house that very evening. Micah had no idea that his wish was going to be granted that day, so he was in for quite a surprise!  

“They’re here!” shouted one member of Micah’s family who spotted the family vehicle pulling into the long driveway. The party-goers assumed their positions with hand-crafted signs and drawings of Micah in his hot tub. Everyone waited with great anticipation for the garage door to open. 

The crowd cheered, “One, two, three, happy wish day!” Micah realized what was happening—his wish was coming true! Micah shared hugs with his grandma, foster mom, teacher and other friends. It was clear that Micah’s elation meant a lot to his loved ones, and the room was filled with pure joy. 

Most everyone who Micah could have wanted at his wish reveal party was present, except for one of his favorite characters—Yogi Bear. When the Make-A-Wish team was planning for his wish reveal party, Micah made a list that included grandparents, teachers, friends, and Yogi Bear. After hearing about the special guest request, Yogi Bear and his little friend Boo Boo traveled from Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Sioux Falls to Micah’s home to surprise him.  

After the initial wish reveal surprise, Yogi Bear and Boo Boo decided that it was their turn to surprise Micah. As the bears who had been hiding inside Micah’s home stepped into the garage, Micah jumped up and down and clapped with excitement! Micah wrapped his arms tightly around each life-size furry character. Family and friends mingled and ate food. Unbeknownst to Micah and the partygoers, the hot tub was being delivered that night. 

Micah’s wish to have a hot tub started with his love of hot tubs.  The warm water and bubbles would make for a year-round swimming pool. As Micah and his family determined his wish, Micah’s mom Stacy explained what a hot tub would mean to Micah. 

“This hot tub will have a major impact on Micah’s life. He’s most comfortable at home and this will allow him to have friends over to swim and socialize with him. We don’t know what the future holds for Micah and we want him to get the most out of life and this will help him do that.” 

“Micah, your hot tub is here!” shouted a family member as they spotted the hot tub loaded up on a trailer as it pulled into the driveway. The Combined Pool & Spa team had arrived with Micah’s wish. Micah quickly ran outside to see his hot tub. Propped on the shoulders of one of his family members, Micah carefully inspected the hot tub. 

The Combined Pool & Spa team got to work, placing the hot tub on a concrete pad. Under Micah’s watchful eye, the team successfully set up the hot tub. On that cold October evening, Micah watched his wish come true and dreamed of the warm adventures in the hot tub. 

We’d like to thank Adopt-A-Wish partners Mary Olinger and New York Life – Great Plains along with community partners, Yogi Bear and Boo Boo of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Sioux Falls, Combined Pool & Spa and Schoenfeldt Electric, LLC. Special shout out to Micah’s wish granting volunteers Mike and Sarah.