ESPN My Wish

This wish has been a couple years in the making and while there were times when she would forget about it, every little while Danielle would remember and ask when her wish would be granted. Well, it finally was and what a wonderful wish it was.

Dani loves ice skating and has for a very long time. She was starting rehearsals for an ice show when she was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in 2004. I vividly remember how excited she was to be get the chance to wear one of those sparkly outfits and to be able to get out on the ice. She was starting to show an aptitude and real signs of promise when this all started and she loved it.

She's one of those kids who if she loves something than she wants to do it all the time. We never had to force her to skate because she wanted to be in the rink all the time. Watching her smile on the ice is what made it a joy to bring her to the rink to skate. That was robbed from her, but for at least one day she got it back. She had that smile and excitement that she deserved and wants so badly and Michelle Kwan was the conduit.

For that I will be eternally grateful.

Despite Michelle's gracious offer, our family decided it would be best to meet her in her native California to cut down on distractions in Chicago and to treat ourselves to a little mini-vacation.

I can't say enough how gracious Michelle was to Dani. From the moment we arrived and she walked out to open the limo door for us, I was impressed with her kindness and grace. She was a total class act and went out of her way to make sure Dani was enjoying herself.

It was interesting watching my daughter during this whole time though because she was so shy and slightly overwhelmed. She's not the type of person who likes the light focused on her so she wasn't really able to show the smart, quick-witted young lady who we know. But she still had an amazing time especially when she was out on the ice.

The best moment for me had to have been watching Michelle hold Dani up on the ice. Just thinking about it makes me well up with tears. Watching my daughter do what she loves with the greatest skater in the world helping her was absolutely amazing.

I will never forget that moment.

Dani may never get the chance to ice skate again because of her condition. Right now she has the ability to walk with help and eventually we hope she'll be able to walk completely by herself. Slowly, but surely she's regaining the autonomy she craves and deserves.