You know that feeling when you’re heart is so full and you want to share why but words just fail? That’s how I feel this week. I got to do another photo shoot for Make A Wish with my neighbor Tom. I’ll try not to make this post too wordy but I have to say something about Tom. He’s been volunteering for Make A Wish for 18 years! That means that just out of college, he was making Wishes happen for kids. I think I’m a pretty nice person but just out of college I wasn’t thinking of too much else but myself. Talk about your gianormous (yes, Mom, I know that isn’t a word…but I also know that she doesn’t read my blog so I’m home free!) hearts! I guess this whole post though is about people with gianormous hearts.
This would be a mile long post if I named everyone that made this Wish happen but I cannot leave out the McCrackens who own and operate Taylor Mountain Ranch. The level of detail and work that they put into this Wish was….well, I’m simply speechless. From bringing cows in from Ellensberg for a cattle drive to little details like horse balloons, to trophies and ribbons for the kids…all this for a little girl they didn’t know. Which brings me to Alyssa! Alyssa wanted to be a cowgirl for a day. The energy and sparkle about Alyssa was just infectious.
Can you stand it?! She had such a good time that joy seemed to radiate out from her snagging anyone near by…or should I say lassoing? (Is that a word, btw?)
Here are some of my favorites of the cowboys in action –
Here are some of the people who made it all happen. First the McCrackens with Alyssa’s family –
Tom and Jen, Wish Partners (did you just say partner like a cowboy would say partner? As in Howdy Partner? ‘Cause I did..)
And this is Jesse who works for Make a Wish. This girl can line dance, btw!
Alyssa was also interview by three news people and one magazine. She was incredibly poised and seemed much older than her years to me while, as I said, obviously enjoying herself. Here’s a link to the story on KOMO – http://www.komonews.com/news/54856602.html.
As Tom said on our way home, “It was a good day.” And it was. It really was.
What a joy, and joy in your pictures too! I think I’d like to be a cowgirl for a day–I like the hat in your last shot–does it come in pink?
I think your pronunciation is spelled: “pardner”. Great entry, C.
Awesome pictures, Christiana! Some of the best I have seen! Breathtaking shots and a beautiful girl, too.
Also, ginormous IS a word. It was formally adopted into Webster’s dictionary sometime in the last 4 years (I cannot remember exactly when, but I know it was after Ty was born). I know, I know…. English teacher nerd…
Wow! I love it! You have made my day seeing these incredible pics. I want a do over! Thanks for everything you do for me and my Family. You are the Rockstar!