On a beautiful Saturday in August, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-South, with the help of the Paragould Jacyees, built a gazebo with a swing for one deserving little boy.  
 

Steven Jr., a 9-year-old from Paragould, AR, received a wonderful gift in his backyard.  Stevens’s illness limits his speech, so his father Steven Sr. hoped that his son have a gazebo built with a swing attached.
 

Steven Sr. said, “Steven could not say what he wanted.  He loves being pushed in a swing, when he was younger I would push him around all the time.  I thought this would be a nice gift for Steven.  It is also something that can grow with Steven as he gets older.”
 
Stevi, as he is called by his family and friends, was presented with his surprise one sunny Saturday afternoon.  Stevi really enjoyed sitting in the gazebo and listening to the wind chime.

The gazebo has windows with flowers attached to the sides, a wind chime, and a swing made especially for Stevi with straps at his feet to hold him in while he has the time of his life.  
 

In addition, Stevi was given a number of suprises which were reflective of his favorite things.  He enjoys sounds and textures and likes toys that he can throw, such as; body pillow and suede pillow case, fuzzy blanket, ball that lights up and plays music, cars, maracas, and soft balls that he can throw.
 

“This meant the world to him, I could hardly keep from tearing up, I am so thankful to everyone who helped make this wish possibly for my son,” said Steven Sr.

Volunteer Misty Carr offered thanks and expressed her happiness for the family, “We are so excited to be able to grant this very special wish to bring hope and happiness to Stevi and his family.  I want to say a special thank you to the Paragould Jaycees for donating their time to make this wish come true.”
 

Steven Sr. would like to thank “Make-A-Wish, Paragould Jaycees, and all the volunteers who made this event possible.  No one understands how much it means to the kids.”
  
The Paragould Jaycees mission is to provide young people the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills through local community action and organizational involvement.  Visit www.paragouldjaycees.com to learn more about the organization.