Fifteen-year-old Justin loves history, geography, writing and public speaking. That’s why he told us he would love more than anything else to go to Hawaii to embark on a cruise that stops at historically significant places including Pearl Harbour. So volunteer wish grantors Debbie and Mike set about to make Justin’s wish come true.

Justin and his family were thrilled to have a limousine take them to and from the airport. Their first night was spent in Honolulu with a breathtaking view of the beach. The next day they boarded the ship “Pride of Hawaii” for their cruise.

Justin’s two favourite things were the excursion to Pearl Harbour and snorkelling for the first time. The Pearl Harbour visit was six hours, which included a city bus tour, a movie on the history of Pearl Harbour and a museum where they were able to go out to a sunken ship. Justin and his family also visited the memorial site where he purchased a replica 1941 newspaper. Justin was thrilled to meet a professor who was in the war and wrote a book about his experiences. After visiting together, he autographed one of his books for Justin.

Snorkelling was another of Justin’s favourite activities. He was surprised at how blue the water was and how close they got to the fish. They took some great underwater photos. Although they were told it was rare this time of year, they saw a mama whale and her 15-foot baby diving nearby.

Justin says, “During the trip I witnessed and participated in breathtaking activities. I have to say the snorkelling was magnificent. It was like a whole other world beneath the surface along with the astonishing scenery and the intriguing sights at Pearl Harbour.”

The captain of the cruise ship allowed Justin on the bridge to help steer the ship. They cruised by an active volcano at night which was also one of Justin’s highlights. He said he could see the lava oozing out.

Justin and his family attended a luau on one of the islands the cruise ship stopped at. They watched a pig roast underground and participated in all the festivities. They enjoyed seeing another culture and sampling different foods. Justin joined in with the band and played the snare drum for everyone.

Justin’s parents tell us, “This was a trip of a lifetime. The smile on Justin’s face will be a lifetime memory, an experience we will carry in our hearts forever.”

Justin returned with many souvenirs, including hand-carved faces made out of coconuts, handmade necklaces, flower lei, hand-picked coral and magna rock.

After his wish Justin wrote, “Words can not explain the gratitude that I have for you both. For the first time in a long time I was thoroughly happy and didn’t have to worry about doctors calling, appointments, and all other things that I would usually go through on a day-to-day basis. …I would once again like to say how thankful and life-changing this was and how thankful I am to you because you made this a reality.”

Justin’s brother Dylan also expressed his thanks for his family’s trip, “Thank you very much for giving Justin his wish. It meant so much to him. On the trip to Hawaii I have never seen Justin so happy before in all my life. Justin will never forget what you have done for him. Also, when Justin smiled I would have to smile, because it made me feel good that he was having the time of his life.”

Wish Sponsor: University of Western Ontario Faculty of Health Sciences Dream Team

Wish Grantors: Debbie and Mike

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