Wish Train

The entire ordeal leading to this holiday event began as a minor disaster for me. I booked two tickets for my hero and myself to ride on the Journey to the North Pole train from Lincoln, NH, to an exceptional place in the great woods of somewhere.

Only one ticket of two was issued; the other was canceled because the event had been sold out. Having a single ticket in my possession was useless when it came to dream-making for a child who has endured more operations than most people might consider being humanly possible. As a special needs parent to a critically ill, disabled little boy…I panicked.

My 13-year-old is simple; he enjoys music, the train, and seeing the other children around him. Fundamental needs are essential to a dad who knows the unfortunate reality; one of which only two people on the planet know… his mom and me. In our world, time is the essence, and time is fleeting. It certainly takes on a very stark meaning compared to those who most might reflect upon it.

Missing a second ticket for planned happiness to occur just could not happen. I had seen my son enjoy this event before; if it was meant to be again, it needed  to happen.  When it comes to crafting new memories, there are no second takes when it involves a child such as ours. So, I persisted in finding another.

Thankfully, the wonderful folks at the event saw the importance of making this happen as well. Bless them all, to make magic happen for a child they had never met.

There we were on Saturday, Dec 7, embarking on this magical train, yet again. I had already known, if this trip was going to be anything like the previous one we had enjoyed two years ago, we were both going to be in for a real treat. (Albeit for two very different reasons).

For me, to watch my son enjoy himself while in the throes of being a happy little boy. He was entitled to smile.

For him, to experience the excitement of singing, music, and watching the other children sing. He would be relying upon his fragile unbalanced frame, jumping and dancing as much as it would allow himself to do so. He deserved this. Humbly, I did too.

The train was adorned with rows of green, strung with very colorful holiday lights accenting them nicely. It certainly looked festive, and the hot chocolate was a delicious touch to make our spirit’s that much brighter. The woman named Diane on the train acted as our friendly hostess to ensure every detail of our trip was going to be well planned. She did her job very thoughtfully, as the many faces of holiday happiness within our car could attest.

Across from us at the table was a grandmother and a little boy named Aven. Together, they, too, were ready for a bit of holiday magic to happen. While my son Kaden watched videos quietly on my cell phone, this six-year-old little boy across from him played with a can of noise putty. Pretty cool stuff if you ask this dad, and an enjoyable distraction to keep tiny fingers busy before the journey began.

A special sheet of paper was given for us to fill out, so we might be able to drop it into one of the mailboxes upon our arrival at the “North Pole.” I filled ours out partially because, like a broken record, I knew I might ask for the same thing as I always do on Xmas eve at my house each year upon my annual reflection in the event’s spirit.  The gift of time.

I kept this letter to myself and placed it in our bag. I will leave it out for Santa to see.

The greeting by what seemed to be a couple of dozen elves as we disembarked the train to walk to the building where Santa would soon be making an appearance was a great touch. Kaden enjoys giving a “high five” like the next kid. A few very lucky elves received their fair share from him as we made our way to the impressive building.

After passing the post office, and a few festive outdoor decorations, we entered and found our reserved seats in the handicap section. There is always plenty of space for Kaden to be “himself” and for his dad to melt a little.

There was no shortage of carols being sung, an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Clause,  and even a chance for every child to shake the Jolly man’s hand as he purposefully worked his way around to meet each and every child. For a kid, indeed, the stuff of happy dreams and memories.

For about 30 minutes, the place was undoubtedly filled with the spirit of the yule. It was genuinely refreshing to see such innocence taking place all around me wishing it might last forever. I only wish it could occur more often, not just during the holidays—an observation for another time, I guess.

We found our seats back on the same train car and greeted Aven and his kind grandmother to share in our mutual excitement of what we had all just experienced. I’m not sure how any kid could walk away not feeling happy and anticipatory of Dec 24 after that experience! He had enjoyed himself in there too, just as much as we had.

Our small talk on the train scratched the surface of a particular wish Aven had written on his letter to Santa. A similar wish to ours, in fact. You see, his grandfather was battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer.

Aven wanted to share his wish with me. His thoughts were about Santa helping to see that his wish might be granted. From the lips of a six-year-old came his faith in Santa to help his ailing grandfather. Remarkable.

So as our journey ended, the carols all concluded, the bells and the coloring books handed out, and as the train pulled into the station, we all said our “goodbye’s” and went about our separate ways.

Since my son is nonverbal, I had plenty of time to reflect upon Aven’s wish during the 45-minute drive back to our house.

I could relate. On more than one occasion, I have asked for a few favors from the big jolly guy myself regarding my ailing son. I even recalled once in July, while at Boston Children’s, I placed my faith in Xmas magic as I put on a Christmas carol by his bed. Though his eyes remained closed, I am sure Kaden heard it. I certainly believe in the power of thought, hope, and prayer.

From all of my years of wishing, anything is possible—especially this time of year. And truthfully,  I cannot think of a better environment for Aven to make such a wish than upon the special train from which we had just come.

I have also learned over the last dozen or so years that it is ok to wish for impossible things now and then. Lord knows I have done that too, countless times over.

But Aven, I will honestly tell you this; never stop wishing and believing in the magic. Hope is powerful, I can attest. I can also attest that miracles do happen sometimes.

One was sitting directly across from you on the train.

Merry Christmas

Cheers….A

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14 replies
  1. Christine
    Christine says:

    Good morning Aric,
    Avens mom, Chris, here.
    It took me two days to recover from crying after reading this beautiful piece to be able to write to you! Thank you for this amazing gift. If I could give you my every wish up on a shooting star, birthday candle wish, wishing pond penny wish, spring wishflower and Thanksgiving wishbone wishes so your wish could come true, I would. In a heartbeat. I am glad that you had a magical trip to the North Pole and I feel blessed that Mary and Aven were able to experience it with you and Kaden. We are heading to the Tilton Diner and the Loudon racetrack the week after Christmas to see the Christmas lights and we’d love it if you could join all of us and extend the Christmas magic a wee bit more. I know they would love to see you again and it would be an honor to meet you both. I wish for a very Merry Christmas for you and your family and I wish and I pray for you and your family to get your wish. ♥️?

      • Aric H. Morrison
        Aric H. Morrison says:

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  2. Tracy Lane
    Tracy Lane says:

    Beautifully written piece! I have tears in my eyes reading it. I too believe in the magic and the power of prayer. Hoping all who read this find peace and happiness this holiday season.

  3. Johnny Oliver
    Johnny Oliver says:

    Wow! After reading this powerfully touching piece, I was truly inspired. I felt myself reflecting upon my past. Yes, I believe in miracles! Thank you for sharing some of the magic of Christmas. ?✨

  4. Anne
    Anne says:

    Aric, this is a beautifully, simply, powerfully magical post. Thank you for sharing your story. Merry Christmas, Aric and Kaden.

  5. Melissa
    Melissa says:

    Aric- What a beautifully written piece from your heart. You are a true inspiration of love, hope, and strength. Wishing you, your family and all many miracles this holiday season.

  6. Elena
    Elena says:

    Beautiful memory to share to all! A perfect reflection of the power of hope and gift of time and how precious it truly is.

  7. Elaine Morrison-smith
    Elaine Morrison-smith says:

    Aric,
    Wonderful writing. This posting is all about your love for your son and caring for others. And yes we need to live in the present and appreciate the beautiful moments in time. I would call this “ the love train”! Full speed ahead for a Merry Christmas! I love you Kaden. Love, Nana

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