Definition of “Full”
Containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space
This past Friday night, I had the honor of dancing at Wish Night for Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties. I had the honor, and the great pleasure, of dancing to Becca Solodon’s original song, “Through the Fire.” Becca was diagnosed with cancer when she was sixteen, and she lost one of her legs to the beast. I have known Becca for a few years, through the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation where she now works. The most accurate way I have of telling you who Becca is…. is to tell you her photo belongs next to the word “SWEET” in every dictionary. She has dedicated her life to making a difference for kids with cancer. She has an unsurpassed special beauty in her voice and in the music she writes and performs.
Topping off the musical talent of the evening was Wish “Kid” Jessica McKenzie, who has studied voice at UC Berkeley. Her gorgeous vocal performance had everyone on their feet clapping when she was finished.
I was overjoyed to be there! The whole evening, I kept envisioning all of the kids I have met who are fighting for their lives. Looking at the people in the room, I gave thanks for their hearts. Some of the people there were Make-A-Wish volunteers, like John MacFadyen, who was the fabulous MC for the evening.
Some were Make-A-Wish employees, like Shanna Wasson-Taylor, CEO of Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties, who was honored for seventeen years of service. I must also mention Linda McKenzie, my most incredible Wish Planner! The others were those who had paid to come, people who gave more money for auction items, and people who raised their hands to personally choose and fund a portion of a child’s wish.
After several wishes were funded, there were no more hands raised, and John asked one more time. We all looked at the bar graph showing there were some children whose wishes were not fully funded– and there were some that were not funded at all.
There was a man who raised his hand…
“I want to make all of them full, ” he offered.
Poor John, I think he nearly fell off the stage. He was speechless. The entire room of people stood and applauded this man’s generosity. It was an incredible moment!
Full… “no empty space”
This generous man left “no empty space” in the hearts of the children. He made them all full. With this kind act, he left no empty space in his own heart either.
… I can “see” the kids everyone helped that evening. I “see” the moms and dads and siblings who will be blessed.
Hope and Joy and Love are beautiful things to share; this is what Make-A-Wish does as their specialty!
Gramma & Poppy, always supportive, were at Wish Night!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SZ0hJpwZMw
Childhood Cancer survivor Becca Solodon rehearses her original song, “Through the Fire” before Wish Night for Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties. It was an honor to be there… to dance to Becca’s beautiful music, and to help make more wishes come true.
Melinda Marchiano 
Comments on: "I Want to Make All of Them Full" (1)
My beautiful, graceful, most talented Melinda . . . I know that I shouldn’t be surprised at your talents . . . surprised by your words .. .. or surprised by anything that you do . . .however, you have done it again . . . you have managed to surprise me yet again . .. not just for your dancing or your words . . .though you know that I love seeing you perform . . .and I love to read your words that you share . .. but . . .I am most surprised by the time you allocate for the betterment of other children, who unfortunately suffer from the monster same monster that you fought so bravely yourself . . . your studies and your extra curricular activities keep you busy enough I am sure . . .but to take the time out to bring hope and love to so many children that are going through it now . . .well . . . there aren’t enough words to express my awe! Melinda, I am so blessed to be friends with you . . .and I love “accompanying you” through your adventures . . . .please don’t ever let life change your outlook or your loving heart! YOU MY DEAR ARE ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY A ONE IN A MILLION!!!!! HUGE HUGS! LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!