T's NF Journey: Travis and Winter the Dolphin

Astounding...capable of overwhelming with amazement; stunningly surprising. Astounding offers a glimpse into the range of emotions felt on Monday, January 26th for Travis' special encounter with Winter, the dolphin from the "Dolphin Tale" movies. The spirit renewing started at the racetrack continued at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Our family left Florida with amazing memories from each aspect of the trip, moments in time we will remember throughout our lives. Be warned...the pictures and videos below may cause tears and goosebumps.

Thank you to Lisa Buie, Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tampa, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) for their partnership in creating this amazing experience for patients like Travis. Our family met Lisa's family a few years ago during their first trip to Salt Lake City for their son's ear reconstruction surgery and a friendship ensued. They offered to return the favor and show us around Tampa anytime we traveled to their area. The kids mentioned they would like to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium during our time in the Tampa area and Lisa set to work.

Before we left for Florida, I learned that Travis would receive a special experience at CMA, no clue the extent of the experience. We kept the secret from Travis in case something happened and this would not be possible. Back on Christmas Day our family watched "Dolphin Tale 2" and Travis commented that Winter wears a special sock "just like me". This made the time with Winter at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium all the more meaningful.

We arrived at CMA and met with Amy who helped arrange this experience. Travis' excitement level increased as he made his way through the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to find Winter and Hope. My eyes filled with tears as I walked with the realization of the impending adventure and when I told Travis he would get to meet Winter, but the experience was far greater than any of us could imagine. Amy told Travis he would get to meet Winter plus be an Assistant Trainer and interact with Winter. During this special encounter, Travis appears to "forget" the challenges he faces due to NF, a relief beyond all description. For that moment in time, all the appointments, MRIs, "pokes", surgeries, x-rays, pain disappear.

T checking out his wristband for
his special encounter with Winter

Heather (l) one of the trainers
with vitamins for the dolphins

Travis meeting Heather

Travis excited to meet and interact with Winter

Travis, with Amy, washing his hands before meeting Winter

Hope wanted to play a few more minutes before Winter's training session, this added to the excitement and suspense. :) You can tell the trainers love their jobs and sense the positive atmosphere of the facility.

Heather with Winter and Hope swimming

Even dolphins (Winter) clean-up their play area

As Travis walked out on the platform with the help of another trainer, you could see Winter observing T. This appeared as though she understood T faces physical challenges like her. We hear about animals helping humans, think of therapy dogs or animals that can alert people to an impending seizure or low blood sugar. She seems to comprehend the spirit that is Travis.

Winter checking out Travis as he walked on the platform

They helped Travis on the platform and showed him how to touch Winter. Throughout the entire experience, notice the huge smiles on Heather's face. Everyone enjoyed this encounter, especially Winter as Travis loved feeding her fish. :)

Travis first touching Winter (CMA photo)

Travis and Winter (CMA photo)

Training continued and Heather described each action to Travis as they went along. Travis waved his left hand and Winter responded by moving the flipper as a mirror action. Treats of fish and then they moved to waving their other arm and flipper.

Winter mirroring Travis waving his left hand (CMA photo)

Winter mirroring Travis waving his right hand (CMA photo)

Winter floated on her back and Travis got to see her "pink" underbelly. Throughout this entire experience Heather described different parts of Winter, or any dolphin for that matter, to Travis.

Travis touching Winter's belly (CMA photo)

Winter happy to receive fish from Travis

The next part of the training was the wiggle dance for Travis and Winter. You hear Winter making her "tweeting" sound in the videos. The first video...the wiggle dance. The second video...splashing fun.

Travis feeding Winter (CMA photo)

Travis and Winter waving both hand/flippers (CMA photo)

What happened next continues to bring tears to my eyes. The next task was to have Winter put her nose on Travis' hand. Then Heather asked Travis to lay on his stomach so Winter could give him a kiss. Travis commented after the experience that he was a little nervous about being kissed by a dolphin.

Travis and Winter (CMA photo)

Winter kissing Travis
I love Heather's smile in this picture (CMA photo)

Travis and Winter (CMA photo)

The next series of events involved Winter being tail up in the water. Travis got to touch the base of Winter's remaining tail and even hold her by the tail. Simply amazing.

Travis touching Winter's stub at the end of her tail (CMA photo)

Travis holding Winter

Travis pet Winter on her side again and as before, he gave her more fish. The end of the training session arrived and all enjoyed their time together

Travis leaving, notice Winter looking at him

Fortunately the story continued as all the boys went onto the platform to meet Winter. :)

Travis, Dylan, Barrett, Nolan, and Heather with Winter (CMA photo)

While walking around CMA after the encounter, Travis saw Winter getting physical therapy. T appreciated seeing Winter's PT and recognizing even more similarities. He also watched as the trainers placed their hands on Winter like he receives during his accupressure massages with integrative medicine. I wonder what Travis' next PT session with Mark will be like.

Winter during her PT session

I cried throughout this experience, so powerful and peaceful all at the same time. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium website describes their mission..."We believe in preserving our marine life and environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release." Watching this amazing encounter, the rescue and rehabilitation occurs not only with Winter and the other marine residents, but also in those who experience these special encounters. Travis connected with Winter and maybe she with him. While they both face challenges, neither of them let their challenges have the last word. Both live their life with bravery and enthusiasm, leading by example. Much appreciation again for all those who make extraordinary, life-defining events happen.

Fun pics at Clearwater Marine Aquarium...