Well, it's over. Dayne Nourse's wish to meet Jackie Chan is over, officially. But will it ever really be over?

You see, once a child has requested, taken the necessary steps, then, officially, made the request, and the wish is granted and fulfilled, it is time to sort of end it, here's that word again, officially. And that happened December 5, 2011, seven months to the day, since Dayne met Jackie.

Dayne marked the occasion by ceremoniously hoisting his Make-A-Wish Star to the ceiling of the foundation's office in Salt Lake City. But, it isn't over. That wish, that dream, that experience will live on forever, in Dayne's mind, and the minds of all who played a part in making it all happen.

It started about a year ago when the Make a Wish Foundation was notified that Dayne wanted to meet his idol, Jackie Chan. Normally, such a request is reserved for terminally ill children. But the Make a wish guidelines have been broadened to include children with types of chronic illnesses as well. Dayne suffers from a brittle bone disease called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, as well as a type of Spina Bifida. After some lengthy study and consideration of Dayne's case, the foundation board members agreed to grant his wish, and assigned him two wish granters who went to work on helping him pick one of three wishes. The first wish was to meet Jackie Chan, the second, to shop in New York City, and the third wish, to create his own action figure. Little did he know the most difficult of the three wishes was about to come true.

After several months of arranging schedules, dates and requests from as far away as Hong Kong, a visit with Jackie Chan was set into place. No one could believe it was really going to happen. The Utah based real estate company The Whitney Group had agreed to underwrite the trip. All that was left was an exact date. And that came right after the application for his passport was sent off, just in case. The phone call came on Wednesday, and thanks to overnight mail, the passport was in the mailbox Friday. We were at the airport Sunday, awaiting departure for Hong Kong.

We're all aware of the hectic schedule of changing flights and spending 17-hours, cramped in an airplane coach seat. But it wasn't me and my pain. That goes away. It was about Dayne, and his dream. And, as I and Dayne's mother, Debi, and beautiful sister and special needs nurse Brittani looked on, we could find comfort in the anticipation in Dayne's eyes. We struggled to sleep. He never closed his eyes, once, over or back.

Once in Hong Kong, the wonderful people of the Make A Wish foundation took over again. Yes, these angels on earth are all over the world and were in place to take care of all our needs, halfway around the world.

We were presented with two visits with Jackie Chan. The first, Tuesday, May 3. The second, Thursday May 5. Tuesday's visit, to watch Jackie record a voice for Kung Fu Panda 2, was cancelled. We couldn't fit in to their schedule that day. And our thoughts, again, leaped to, will this really happen? My daughter's idea, "Let's go shopping!" did happen. She would just as soon shop, as do just about any other thing in life, other than of course, make sure Dayne is happy. So shop we did, through the handicapped unfriendly streets of Hong Kong.  And, we shopped until this old man, Dad, couldn't take another step. But we found a McDonalds and a Pizza Hut, and realized we wouldn't starve to death, by not being interested in those things we saw on restaurant menus and on plates inside. We all agreed the Chinese food in our own country, is tastier than that of China. The Chinese probably feel the same way about their type of foods prepared here. Although that was about to change, somewhat, in our minds and taste buds.

Thursday brought better news. Jackie was ready to spend some time with us. In fact, he wanted to take us on a tour of his new movie studio and then to dinner. The cars would be in front of our hotel, at 4:00 pm. We were there at 3:30.

Dayne couldn't wait.

The journey to the Jackie Chan movie complex, took about 45- minutes. But also took us through some of the most beautiful scenery of Hong Kong. It is back up in the hills, high above and behind all those tall buildings which crunch the harbor shoreline. Very few other homes or buildings can be seen from Jackie's office.

We arrived in the middle of a picture shoot Forbes Asia Magazine was doing with Jackie. An Interview had just been completed. We looked on in awe, anxiously awaiting our introduction to Jackie Chan, and wondering what to say. "What do you think, Dayne"? "How do you feel"? Dayne just stared and mumbled, "I can't believe this." Suddenly, as if he were shooting a movie, Jackie climbed to the top of a tall step ladder, posed there only seconds, kicked it from beneath him and fell to the floor, rolling over and over. Before he or we could catch a breath he jumped to his feet, grinned and waved to us, as if to say, I'm alright, be over there in just a minute. The ice was broken. We knew what was in store for us the rest of the evening. And we weren't disappointed.

Jackie Chan is not only an actor, an actor who does his own stunts, he's also a singer and an antiques collector. So what better way to open up, than to show off his collection. His office building and studio is filled almost to capacity, with the costumes from all of his movies, autographed pictures of those in Hollywood probably more prominent than Jackie, artifacts and antiques Jackie has collected, some very valuable ones, even from the various dynasties which ruled China for centuries. These particular items are waiting to be placed in his own museum in Shanghai. "I will soon have too build a new museum, he quipped. As we talked about his past movie roles, our favorite scenes, and what's next for the exhilarating actor, as he motioned to a wall completely covered with still photos, from movie locations for his next film, something to do with "Condor." The "Last Condor?" I can't remember. But, he says he wants to kind of group the Condor series, into one, jumbo packed action thriller, that will take the stories to new heights. "Isn't that what Hollywood does", he asks. The Condor will be filmed in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, and Paris. It should be released, soon. He was leaving the next morning for Paris to begin preparations. And to our surprise, announced, he wanted to take us all to dinner. First, however, would be time for autographs and we were allowed to pick from a vast array of Jackie Chan designed items. He also has his own clothing line.

As we grappled for position and things to sign, Dayne rolled his wheelchair to the front and announced he had something for Jackie. Before leaving, we thought how nice it would be to leave Jackie Chan something to remember us. We know he loves soccer. So, how about a REAL, ReAl Salt Lake Jersey? I know Dave, and his brother, Dan Checketts. And just happened to pick one up before leaving. Dayne proudly presented it to Jackie, as Jackie responded with, "I want your autograph on that shirt, Dayne." Dayne obliged.

The exchange of autographs, was saddled with more questions, a few more reckless stunts and much laughter, and lasted some 30--to-40 minutes, just in time to leave for dinner.

Traditionally, we were told, Jackie Chan will take his closest friends to dinner, prior to leaving Hong Kong for filming or any number of other reasons. And we, that night, were included among those closest of friends, about a half dozen of them. That, in itself, would make up a great wish, for he entertained us continuously throughout. Jackie told us of his childhood days. His mother gone, his father had to travel and enrolled Jackie in boarding school, a very disciplining period in his life, where he learned along with his his studies, Karate. Little did he know where it would lead. He showed Dayne how to eat with chopsticks, quickly, making no sounds. He told us of how he had to eat every little grain of rice, or was slapped. He talked of hours, standing with his back against a wall, swinging the backs of his hands into the wall to toughen them up, and of constant exercise and meditation. Things none of us, or any child in America would ever understand. He captured our attention and imagination.

Jackie finally asked Dayne if he had a question for him. Dayne thought for a minute, wondering if should say what was on his mind. We sort of knew. Then, politely asked Jackie Chan, if he would be his personal Karate teacher. The room fell silent, as Jackie now pondered an answer. "I", Jackie said, "will show you a very good and easy to remember move, with which to protect yourself." And, he did. And, the two of them practiced and practiced, until Dayne had it down perfectly. "Now," said Jackie, "I am your teacher." And, again, we all applauded and laughed.

Finally, sadly, it was time too say goodbye. No one wanted that time to come. You could feel it in the room. It became a closeness among perfect strangers, like I have never before witnessed. I was truly sad, as were my wife and daughter. You could see it in Dayne's eyes. And believe me you could feel it in Jackie Chan's persona, his grasp, as he hugged Dayne, first, then the rest of us. And I mean a hug. Not just a pat or a squeeze, but a firm, I will miss you and I love you too, type of hug.

The drive back to our hotel was an insightful one. After reluctantly loading the vehicles and saying our goodbyes, we quickly tried to share our thoughts of the entire affair, along with our impressions of Jackie Chan and our gratitude for allowing us this quick slice of his life. Dayne just responded with, "I want to stay here. I want to live in Hong Kong." The rest of us quizzed him where he would live, what he would eat, who would take of him. His only reply, "Jackie Chan." Daughter Brittani, deeply impressed by it all, while watching over Dayne's medical needs, just wanted one more day of shopping. My lovely Wife Debi couldn't believe the personalty of the man who has for years entertained moviegoers. And his time and devotion to Dayne. I, except maybe for more shopping and Dayne living in Hong Kong, shared their thoughts. Images of Jackie Chan, how could such a day be over, what can we do now, to make the occasion live on, a desire to thank him one more time, raced through my mind. I have never met a celebrity quite like this man. So much energy, enthusiasm, caring, emotion, sharing and giving. As busy as he must be, taking the time to make a little boy's wish come true. And, Jackie Chan will do this again and again for other youngsters, from America, in China and all over the world. He will give to various organizations, his money and his time. All, while continuing to entertain us in his own, unique way.

I've learned in my 71-years of life, and was vividly reminded again, that's why he and all of us are on this earth. To make sure no one goes without the basic necessities of life. We're here for each other. We care. People like Jackie Chan, are the perfect examples. My son Dayne is the perfect example of a dream coming true, a wish being granted. It can still happen. And will happen.

Thank you Make A Wish Foundation. Your fine example is being felt around the world. Keep up the good work. And, may you be there for the millions of youngsters who are terribly ill, but dreaming and wishing. Call me if I can help.

Dick Nourse
News Anchor

© 2011 Salt TV Network LLC. All rights reserved.