Starlight Star Bright

Being that today is Starlight Day I thought I'd share our experience and encourage people to give a little.

Starlight help to brighten the lives of seriously sick kids and their families, at a time when illness, hospitals and intensely difficult situations have become the norm.

Although we wished differently everyday, we knew in our hearts that our son Noah would never be "well". We also had to come to terms with the fact that we probably wouldn't have him with us for long. After that our wishes for our son became simpler. We just wanted him to smile and to know that he was loved. We also wanted to make memories that didn't revolve around medical machines, tubes, therapy and pain.

When we received a call from Starlight letting us know Noah was going to receive a wish we were so excited. We started planning a family holiday to the Gold Coast. Where Noah could swim with the dolphins, visit the theme parks and meet his favorite character, Elmo.

It gave us something to plan and look forward to. Something about the future we could smile about. Our trip was booked for the end of October.

Six weeks before we were due to set off Noah passed away.

A little while after I received a call from Starlight. They had heard of Noah's passing and wanted to pass on their condolences. They also wanted to let us know there was one more special gift in store for us.

A star named Noah.

How perfect a star. Shining on brightly like the memories we will always have and the lessons we will forever keep.

Now when I look up at the night sky at Noah's star (near the Southern Cross) I smile and sometimes make wishes. And today on Starlight Day I wish for all the other families to have the chance to receive their wishes and to see their little stars smiling.