MakeAWish

A few weeks ago Patrick and I were asked to volunteer our services as photographers for the recipient of the San Diego chapter of the MakeAWish foundation - Erik Rodriguez.

Of course we were pleased to help out in any way, but we were both so touched that I really would like to remember the event by posting it on here.

 

Eric is a 17-year-old young man from El Centro, California. He was in a bad car accident as a child that left him a paraplegic. As if that were not challenging-enough - he has never known his father and his mother is a drug-addict so he has bounced back and forth between foster parents for years. One only had to look at this boy's face and eyes to see the weight of the world within.

Upon learning he won the chance to have a wish granted - this extraordinary young man looked at the TV, saw and ad for children in need in Africa and uttered in his quiet way, "Well, can I help them?" He could have met the President or a celebrity or had a walk on role in a film with Angelina Jolie - - even possibly having something done in his own poor community in El Centro -- but this humble, special boy essentially opted to GIVE his wish away.

So with the money that would have been used for his wish, he donated it to 5 villages in Africa where they erected wells and running water and gardens among other life-changing incidentals.

Obviously the Foundation wanted him to receive some accolades for his unselfish wish. So they brought him, his foster parents and his best friend from high school to San Diego. Put up in a decorated room just for him (with Twilight stuff, balloons, his favorite chips - Doritos)at the Hyatt in La Jolla - he was fussed over by a stylist and hairstylist who bought him 2 outfits and got him ready for his big night - the MakeAWish press party at the Del Mar Fairgrounds where they would present him with the check that he would then present to the representatives for the African foundation set up in his name.

 

We took along our daughter, Ciara, so she could see, firsthand, the bravery and generosity of this fellow hispanic youth. Upon arriving we found Erik to be so shy and his foster parents didn't even speak English. I chimed in in Spanish telling him my parents grew up in Mexicali and Calexico. He noticeably brightened when I spoke Spanish and told him I had had family from those parts. (They should have had a bilingual rep the whole time there for him and especially for the foster parents). He also told me how he felt overwhelmed by the attention and fuss - - but I told him to understand they wanted to do something for him since he was already giving up his wish.

It was truly a memorable evening - both Patrick and I were very proud to be a part of it in our small way. May God Bless this extraordinary young man....