One week ago today, we returned from Zoe’s Make-A-Wish trip to the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m still in denial. Every morning I wake up and hope for that spectacular view of the ocean….every morning I’m disappointed.
I’m sure you’ve all seen the commercials for the resort where you can walk through an aquarium, ride the water slide that takes you under the shark tank, or the one that looks like you’re coming out of the Mayan pyramid. Those were the very images that sold Zoe on her once in a lifetime trip and it didn’t disappoint. Palm trees, white sandy beaches, blue water, and too many pools and water slide options. They even had a Starbucks on the property so Zoe could get her fix.
We had our own Make-A-Wish VIP concierge who made check-in, check-out, and everything in between an absolute breeze. She and Zoe now follow each other on Instagram.
Make-A-Wish booked us a dolphin experience session. We played with a dolphin named Noah for about an hour. We learned some cool dolphin facts, like they can have a lot of the same diseases/illnesses that people can. In fact, Noah was born with COPD. His breathing is a little deeper sounding than the other dolphins and he can’t do all of the high energy tricks that the other dolphins can, but other than that he’s just like everyone else. He sang to us, high-fived us, and even let us take a picture giving him a kiss.
Three full days on the island just wasn’t enough. I don’t even think that 5 days would have covered it.
The trip of a lifetime doesn’t even do it justice.
December 3, 2016 at 10:59 pm
Hello,
We also went to Atlantis for my son Noah’s Make A Wish, one year post transplant in June 2014! I loved reading about your dolphin encounter with Noah… we did not have him for our encounter, although had I known in advance I would have requested him for his name alone. We did however get to watch him do some tricks that day! I hope Zoe is doing well! Wishing you all, the best!
Susan