Rudy had his Make-a-Wish “send off” party yesterday evening. Wish granter Anne and her trainee Joseph came to the house with pizza, salad and cupcakes to present Rudy and our family with the official packet of information for our trip! It was a fun evening that helped build our anticipation and excitement! It’s sinking in that we’re actually going on this amazing adventure and we are all so grateful! Honestly, this is something we have joyfully (and tearfully-I can’t read about a Make-a-Wish trip without crying) watched other heart families do over the years since Rudy was born but I just never imagined we’d get to experience it…I’m nervous about all the traveling and getting from point A to point B but I’m also anticipating special experiences that will lighten the heart of our family. We have a VERY early 3am departure time out of Santa Barbara on Thursday morning which means in less than 48 hours, we’ll be en route to Florida!!!! Yikes/Yeay!!!!
It just so happens that one of my wishes is coming true too…We discovered in the planning of this trip that airlines do not allow oxygen tanks on board so we needed to arrange to travel with an oxygen concentrator (a machine that converts room air into oxygen). I’ve actually been working to acquire a portable oxygen concentrator for Rudy for over a year (since he started school) with no luck through our insurance and medical supply company. Because the purchase price of these units can easily run in the thousands of dollars, it has been beyond our reach. Inogen is a Nationwide Accredited Homecare provider that specializes in oxygen therapy and just happens to be headquartered here in Goleta. Make-a-Wish gave them a call and they agreed to lend us their “top of the line” unit for the trip!!! I still hope to purchase one at some point soon but the use of one for Rudy’s trip will completely transform the experience for all of us! We picked it up yesterday and Rudy adjusted to it perfectly (It’s a little different in that it doesn’t give Rudy a continuous flow of oxygen like a tank or our home concentrator but instead is triggered to give him oxygen when he takes a breath). Thank you Inogen!!!
Thank you all for your prayers and for sharing in our excitement! We are so humbled and grateful. Stay tuned for some fun pics..:)
Rudy's Beat 
Rudy’s smiles say it all! I am so happy for all the wonderful Geylings. Have a FANTABULOUS and Blessed vacation. I know Mickey will grant all your wishes!
Blessing on your trip . Rudy knows special things are happening, the glow in hios eyes tell it ALL.
Wish I could be there to see you enjoy it. oxoxox
Can’t wait to see all the pics – it’s going to be a great time for all of you!
I know Anne from soccer. She is great. Have a wonderful time and a blessed time away!
Zippidty-do-da! It’s gonna be a great trip. So cool how Inogen provided the portable oxygenator….WOW! What a difference that will make! Kind of like Michelle winning the use of that $8000 bike for her first triathlon! So happy for you all! Now, get to bed early tomorrow night, you’ve got a BIG day ahead of you!! Love you!!
It seems as if more miracles are manifesting themselves on behalf of Rudy. How wonderful. We will all be anxiously awaiting more news from this fantastic adventure. Have a wonderful time at Disney World and safe trip there and back. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to each of you.
You are going to have SO MUCH FUN! Our wish trip was AMAZING! and I am sure yours will be too. Take lots of pictures! We made a book of our trip thru snapfish. It is such a wonderful memory book. I am sure you have the new concentrator well in hand but ours had two settings the take a breath one and a continuous flow. Those portable concentrators are fantastic and really give so much more freedom. Have a fantastic time!
Couldn’t be more thankful that your very deserving family gets to do this. Have an incredible, memorable time. Kiss “Mickey” for me!!
Have a fabulous time!! Will be praying for a smooth flight and great time for the whole family!
What an amazing blessing!!
Have an AMAZING AMAZING trip!!!!!
Rolf and Trish and family, I will be thinking of you and praying for an absolutely fantastic, hassle-free time in Florida. May the sun shine every day, the lines be short, the food be good and everyone have that extra measure of patience that’s needed on big trips with the family! We’re sending love to you from the Pacific Northwest.
This is just the COOLEST THING EVER. LOVE the pictures, love the gift, love your excitement – and that Rudy-smile? Un.Believ.Able. Praying for a flat-out amazing time.
YAY…so happy you got the smaller oxygen thingy! Wonderful news! Now we pray the travel goes smoothly and that even THAT is a bit of fun for all. We’ll be praying daily for you all in Florida! Have a wonderful, blessed time together beautiful family. Loads of love!
That is really a wish come true, and I have a feeling one of those converters will be yours in the future! Have a Magical Trip to the Magic Kingdom Gehlings One and All!
😂Tears of joy for the Geylings! You and Rolf are amazing parents and givers providing service to so many. What a blessing to be able to relax and have fun making wonderful memories for your sweet kids. God bless your early flight, final preps today and all your traveling. So happy for you all!
So happy for you and your family! I saw your blog pop-up on my Facebook page via Kitty Larson. So glad to connect with you this way. (I’m Nanci that we meet at Brighton thru Arleen every year at the Christmas party and my hubby is on staff at CCSB). Bless you Geyling family!
Sooooo Excited for you!!!! You will love it and I hope everyone gets their wish for this trip! Yay!!!!
We’re so excited for the Geyling Family – I’m sure that this will be an amazing trip! We want to make sure that Trish’s wish is also granted. Kisses from Katie is focusing on personal connections this year, and we’re happy to purchase an oxygen concentrator for Rudy. Have a wonderful trip and we’ll touch base when you get back.
What an amazing time you guys had!!! am full of joy for Rudy and thankful for the ‘make-it-happen’ers’ – Inogen and the Make a wish crew!!! Praying the yer ahead is filled with even greater thrillers for you all!!!!