A wish come true
Eight months into my life, doctors discovered that my tiny body had an incurable and deadly disease. Exactly 17 years later, on Dec. 9, 2002, a wonderful event took place when I met the person whom God used to help me escape from a life of fear, anguish and desperation. Thanks to the generosity of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I had the opportunity to meet Mariah Carey, a woman who beholds a stunning voice and creates awe-inspiring lyrics. She was beyond amazing and soared above what I had imagined. During our 40-minute meeting, we shared openly about my illnesses, death and God. Certainly, this was a point in my life that I will forever cherish.
As a newborn child I was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis and was heading toward severe mental retardation and premature death. Through answered prayer, I was spared from this disaster. Needless to say, I continue to deal with horrid seizures and multitudes of rashes on my face and body. During the autumn of 2001, it was discovered that I had another fatal and incurable medical condition, which is known as polycystic kidney disease. Cysts from this disease continually spread and expand on my kidneys. They will eventually overtake both organs until each are larger than a football. Eventually, total kidney failure will occur.
A string of very serious personal issues began for me during 1997. I found that I was continuously judged and ridiculed by both children and adults because of my medical problems. I sank into deep depression and had no hope. With nothing left to live for, I cried out to God one last time before planning to take a final plunge. In a short amount of time, He answered my prayer when I heard a song by Mariah Carey, which is titled "My All". Mariah wrote this song through her personal experience of feeling alone, which is exactly what I had felt for much of my life. Finally, for the first time in my life, I had connected with someone who really understood me.
I quickly became a loyal fan of Mariah Carey and remained impacted and changed by her songs. Mariah Carey, who writes and produces her music and lyrics, was the first person to show me that I was special. For all the many times that I had been deeply hurt, lonely, isolated and fearful, Mariah's music gently healed all these bad feelings and their hurtful effects. Her music has continually been my source of preservation when enduring dark moments of life. Mariah's songs helped to reconnect a relationship between God and myself, something I thought was never possible. The Caleb Boulter you know from reading The Conway Daily Sun's weekly weather articles was made new and given hope through the music of Mariah Carey. I firmly believe and know that God used Mariah, her music and her words to help me through life.
A few days before Thanksgiving, I suffered a major grand-mal seizure at Cranmore Sport Center. I was quickly transported to Memorial Hospital where I remained for a few days. When I returned home and was still recovering, my parents received word from the Make-A-Wish Foundation that my time to meet Mariah was at hand. After being a part of the foundation for nearly one year, the news was music to my ears. Finally, my wish was going to be officially granted.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, we gathered my two older brothers from college, and the entire family began our special trip to Bloomington, Minn. It was a journey that would allow us to meet Mariah Carey face-to-face and also give us the opportunity to attend her live concert on NBC's Today Show at the Mall of America. As a token of my appreciation for her impact in my life, I created a basket filled with special personal gifts and beautiful, fresh flowers for Mariah.
On Monday, Dec. 9, it was time to meet my hero. We arrived at the Mall of America during the mid-afternoon; however, the actual moment did not arrive until 4:45 p.m. It was at this time that I stood up from my chair in the Napa Valley Restaurant and met eye to eye with Mariah Carey. We hugged for a long time while I cried and repeatedly said, "thank you". She was incredibly sincere and gracious towards me.
Mariah and I sat down and talked together for about 40 minutes. We had a deep, warm and genuine conversation where we became oblivious to the rest of the world. I told her that she is an incredible inspiration to me and that she has been a major influence in the lives of multitudes of seriously ill people. We talked about her many visits to Lake of the Clouds, her belief in God, and her new album, "Charmbracelet". My personal illnesses, persevering over negativity and the reality of death were also discussed. The entire meeting was completely amazing. With each personal issue that was touched, I would cry, and Mariah's eyes would be on the verge of tears as well. As our priceless time came to an end, Mariah gave me wonderful mementos. My father hugged her good-bye and whispered into her ear, "Thank you for saving my son's life." The entire family was touched by Mariah's compassionate and genuine ways. She is indeed a very real person who overflows with compassion and love for others. Shortly after she left, we received word through MonarC Records President Jerry Blair that Mariah would like me to be interviewed live on NBC's Today show sometime during the concert event. I was thrilled to know that she and her management team would allow me to share my experience on national television.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Al Roker interviewed me shortly before Mariah Carey's Today Show concert. The interview went extremely well and I was able to tell how Mariah's music impacted my life. The concert itself was amazing. Mariah's voice soared with heavenly wings as the massive crowd watched in awe. Several times during the show, Mariah made direct contact with me and communicated messages of preserving in life. Little did I know how important these words would become as I traveled home that night.
After the concert, I was led to a more secluded portion of the rotunda area where NBC's Access Hollywood producer, Dave VanHoutte, met Mariah and myself for a final interview. During my portion of the dialogue, Mariah reached out and held my hand. As the interview concluded, I was able to talk with her a bit more where we said our final good-byes. It was here that Mariah said to me, "I'll be in touch." My family and I then left the Mall of America in order to prepare for our return trip home.
Our plans of returning to North Conway late Wednesday night quickly changed during our flight back to Boston. While over New York state, our jet encountered strong turbulence, which caused me to suffer a severe grand-mal seizure. Due to the lack of medicine on the aircraft, I struggled hopelessly for what seemed like hours. My breathing difficulties continued to increase as I tried to wave good-bye to my parents and brothers. I believed these were my final moments of life. In reality, I endured about an hour and 40 minutes of horrid physical violence while gasping for air.
The American Airline jet was cleared for emergency landing at Logan Airport where paramedics were waiting to help as soon as the door was opened. The medics soon told my dad that I was very sick and that they did not know if I would make it. Still, once again, the grace of God spared my life. I was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital where I remained until Friday night. As of this writing, seizure activity continues off and on; I feel somewhat helpless in this respect. Nonetheless, I continue to regain strength with each passing day. To say the least, it is wonderful to be home here in North Conway.
In addition to her music, the real person who is Mariah Carey has richly blessed me and changed my life forever. It was my prayer that when we were together, I would be a blessing to her, too. I thank the Make-A-Wish Foundation for providing me with this great opportunity. I thank you, the Mount Washington Valley community, for your concern and prayers. I wish for you a Christmas holiday filled with love, peace and joy beyond your every expectation. Last, but certainly not least, I thank my family for allowing me to "shine like a sunflower up in the sky, way up high in the sky". (by Caleb Boulter for The Conway Daily Sun)
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