A Child's Wish
Christmas Outing
In the early 80's we were contacted by, Lennie, a representative of A Child's Wish. He asked if
Shady Pond Tree Farm would be willing to host their recipient families and donate a tree to each.
He said that A Child's Wish organization could promise excellent media coverage of the event
that would benefit the Farm. Since our Christmas tree project was just getting started, we felt that
it would be a good way to promote the Farm and agreed to his proposal. Little did we know what
was to come.
The very first Christmas Outing for A Child's Wish was scheduled. The event was poorly
organized and total chaos. There were wheelchairs, awkward looking strollers (the kind used to
transport nearly full-grown occupants) and crutches everywhere. And some of the little tikes
were wearing stocking caps to keep their heads warm and to hide the embarrassment of their hair
loss.
Being concerned for the safety of the group in the rugged farm environment, we moved them to a
remote area and suggested that they visit with one another while waiting for the rest of the
families to arrive. In that fateful decision the magic of A Child's Wish Christmas Outing was
formed. The families of these often terminally ill kids soon realized that they were not alone.
Other moms and dads, brothers and sisters were all facing similar torment. They drew strength
from each other.
They searched for trees, rode the wagons and played in the fields that day; wheelchairs, crutches
and all. And those happy little faces were the final ingredient of the trap Lennie had set for us.
How could we resist? He knew all along that it was sure to work, and it did. Although the media
coverage has seldom come; A Child's Wish has, every year.
But we anticipate their arrival with
the sober understanding that some of those little faces will be seen no more.