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When I met Shari at one of the foster care support group meetings a year or so ago, I shared a bit about our family dynamics. I was there with my own two girls (ages 8 and 10) that I had just recently adopted after a long 4.5 years in foster care. The foster/adoptive parents of my girls’ younger brother and sister were there, too. There were three older brothers, also adopted into another home that we stayed close to, as well.
Seven children, three families, trying to maintain their sibling bonds whenever, and however, we could. Our conversation drifted to a dream of one day being able to take a “family” vacation together, to somewhere like Disneyland, but knowing the reality of this was farfetched, given the distance, the cost, and so many people. We had dreamed of celebrating our adoption in some big way—but our plans were put on a long-distant hold because of the pandemic. Shari asked for our contact information, in case she was able to help us towards our dream trip. We did, gladly…but really had no true belief anything would come of it.
Fast-forward several months when we received a call, letting us know Cobbled Streets was working on putting a trip together for all of us to go to Disneyland. We were all excited, but still really didn’t believe it would happen. Then it did.
It was the first plane ride for many of the kids, and despite the fear of soaring into the sky, they had a great time flying through the clouds and over the mountains. The kids all sat together and shared snacks, laughs,
games, and conversations!
We made our way through the airport—the big kids holding hands with the little kids. So much awe. When we arrived at the house there was excitement everywhere. We had large family meals for breakfasts and dinners and
everyone pitched in.
The next two days were filled with theme park adventures. Saying everyone had a great time, would be a major under-statement! We even enjoyed the long lines, as it gave us time to talk and play.
The most awesome part was being able to spend such a long time together where the kids could actually interact like typical siblings—waking up together, eating together, playing together, and then crashing after a long fun day.
Cobbled Streets made this dream come true.
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