SUNSHINE WISH APRIL 2007. (SUNSHINEWISHFOUNDATION.ORG)

My daughter received a Sunshine Wish to go to Florida's Discovery Cove and interact with a dolphin named Aki. My daughter has ONH - an extremely rare disease causing her to have blindness and hormone deficiencies..

It was a hard trip as she was a wee bit difficult.. to say the least! I guess being out of her element and brought to several large parks/places without being able to map out each place in her head, was most of the reason she was quite "over the top".

Both my girls are lovely and haven't had their fathers in their lives as much as most kids would hope for. My youngest is a challenge, one I deal with everyday (even whilst visiting with her father) and will for the rest of my life more than likely as a single parent. I don't have time for a relationship that's serious! BUT she has progressed well cognitively and developmentally even after all the emotional trauma she encountered when her father and I split (It happens to at least 50% of couples that have a child with a disability, mom puts too much time into the child and therefore, neglects dad.) So in retrospect, I think it was a good thing. :-) Being "free" is nice!

That being said, here's some pix of us in Florida.

Jo and I beneath a giant mushroom in our cottage bedroom.




Aki kissing Jo. The trainers at Discovery Cove were just amazing! Every part (well almost!) that was visible of the dolphin to the guests, they made darn sure that Jo felt it and understood the shape and beauty of this amazing animal!!!!

Al and Jo, Jo being silly..

Jo, me and Aki.

A peacock. Not sure if he was scared or feeling a bit randy..

Jo with her long white cane we named "Clancy" many years ago.. going into lagoon. It was amusing watching the looks she received from people thinking that because she was blind, she was heading for disaster into the water... I was very near, and she went in like she should! HaHa to them. I like to make statements but underneath, I'm the biggest worry wort!

The highlight.. David Caruso was our pilot and played "The Who" through the intercom the whole flight.. Thanks David!!!