Jacob's Wish

"What are we baking today, Mom?" four-year-old Jacob would ask brightly as he came downstairs each morning, for he loved the comfort, sweetness, and delicious aromas of home cooking. Janice, his mom, indulged in a baking frenzy during those dark months last winter when Jacob struggled with an extremely aggressive brain tumor that resulted in two surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. She knew that the stability of routine, and the warmth of a home steeped in love would help her son through a period filled with pain, uncertainty, and confusion.

So when wish granters asked Jacob what he wished for, his response was "I want to be a baker." Asked why, he elaborated, "Because I want to pat the dough." Inspired by his mom's baking, he had also watched a "When I Grow Up" video about being a baker and had decided that was the career for him. From there, his wish granters took this simple wish to their hearts and created from it a day full of baking surprises that delighted Jacob, his family, friends, and relatives.

Jacob's wish day began with a limo ride to a Wonder Bread factory, where a kind baker named Kelly took him by the hand and gave him a personal tour. Jacob got to press buttons, grease bread tins (with a huge spray gun), make and box his own Twinkies, and-of course-play with some dough! His arms, gently clasped around Kelly's neck as he was carried around the factory, spoke volumes about their instant and special bond.

From Wonder Bread the limo took Jacob to Discover Financial Services (who had sponsored his wish) where he and his entourage enjoyed a hearty packed lunch and received some baking goodies. From there they headed to Shepherd's Cake and Candy, where banners, balloons, and great cake decorating activities awaited. When asked if he knew how to make a pudding cake, Jacob replied quickly, "No, but I know how to eat it." All the children were given their own cake to decorate, and Jacob helped create a masterpiece-a jungle cake adorned with animals, a waterfall, and palm trees made out of pretzels! But more about the cake later...

The limo then took Jacob and family to Kneader's, where Jacob helped bake his own bread, which will forever be named "Jacob's loaf" in his honor. "That's a circle. You can pull off rolls and share with people. The inside roll is Jacob sharing his life with others," explained Colleen, the owner. And naturally, Jacob got to pat a lot more dough during this visit! As a special touch, Jacob got to sign his own baker's pail that will always be on display for him to see whenever he visits, and was sent him home with gifts and a box full of scrumptious-looking cakes. Next stop, Domino's pizza, where all the kids shaped their own dough and topped their own pizzas, ready for a big party at Thanksgiving Point. During the grand finale, Jacob was beginning to wind down after a huge day, but remained happy and courteous as he visited with his guests and opened gifts (you guessed it-more baking supplies).

A couple of days later, Jacob was present at our fund-raising gala, where he auctioned his famous jungle cake. "It sold for five HUNDRED dollars," he proudly announced afterwards, clearly delighted with his financial worth in his new role as professional baker! As for his mom, she loved seeing Jacob having so much fun. "I have these vivid memories of him being brave even when he was hurting. And to see him so happy and getting excited doing what he wants is just wonderful." That's what wishes are all about, and what makes it all so very worthwhile.