I got to go to DisneyWorld for Christmas.  It was arranged by Make-A-Wish, which is an organization that helps kids like me: kids who are dying, or kids who have serious illnesses.

My name is Donovan.  I am 11 years old.  

I also have AIDS.  

I got it from a transfusion; unknownst to a lot of people, the blood I had been given was bad and it caused me to get HIV; eventually, the HIV went into full-blown AIDS.

At first I was very angry, but I have learned that it is not the way to be; it would only make things worse, so I decided to be more positive in my attitude and it's made a world of difference.

I also accepted Christ as my Saviour, and I know He will never steer me wrong.  I know I will be with Him when I die and I will be healed of my AIDS.

I got the AIDS diagnosis over a year ago and it's really changed not only my own life, but the life of my family.  I am in and out of the hospital (mostly in lately) and I am on oxygen 24/7 'cause my lungs are so weakened and damaged from the repeated pneumonias I suffer.  

The last time I was in the hospital was in October. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up there again any time because I am wheezing, more than normal, and I am starting to feel cruddy.

Anyway, back to my story.  I went to DisneyWorld and I just got back yesterday.  I think the trip may have been a bit much for my body to take, but hey: at least I got to go.  It was everything I could have imagined ... and a whole lot more!

I got to ride some of the more smoother, gentler rides and got to hang out with Mickey, Goofy, Donald Duck, and all the other Disney characters.  I also got to participate in the Parade on Maine Street; I was chosen as the Guest of the Day and got all sorts of neat Disney stuff for prizes.

 I got my picture taken with the CEO of Disney, and I know I will be in the paper.  I just hope I live long enough to see it ... that would be so freaking AWESOME!!

The Christmas lights and decorations were spectacular.  They had fireworks every night (if the weather held) and it was among one of the best fireworks displays I had ever seen in my life!

Meanwhile, I am now back home, but I might end up going to see Dr. Patinkin later today.  Mom knows I am not feeling my best, so there you go.  I won't be surprised if I have to be admitted to the hospital yet AGAIN.  The way I feel, the hospital may be the very place I need to be right now ....

I am glad I was well enough to enjoy DisneyWorld at Christmas.  I got my wish granted and it felt great to know I was able to enjoy it!! Sometimes Make-A-Wish kids have their dreams granted, only to get sicker or end up in the hospital (or even dying) before their wish comes true .

That would really suck, you know? You get your wish, only to end up dying before it even comes true !  I'm glad I wasn't one of those kids ... I was able to stay alive and see my wish come true ! That makes me extremely happy!  

Now if I could do something about the way I FEEL .... Sigh ... such is life with AIDS ...

~To be continued.~