A Magical Weekend For So Many Reasons
July 5, 2009
Last weekend, I spent two days in the company of these lovely ladies:
The Disney #magicalmoms FL Mom Bloggers:
- Shellie Ross of Blog 4 Mom
- Daisy Sutherland of Dr. Mommy LLC
- Leigh Caldwell of Theme Park Mom
- Melanie Edwards of Modern Mami
- Stefanie Fauquet of Mommy Musings
- Cindy Schultz of The Mom Maven
We were also joined by:
Tanya McNally
Maria Bailey
Leanne Jakubowski
Laura Spencer
Mary Haupt
The whirlwind time we spent together learning all about Disney and how they create that special magic was incredible. I have made some forever friends. The special touches, the little things that made it all perfect not only for us, but for our families who joined us were beyond compare.
I know a little about the Disney magic. And I was reminded in a forever cherished way this trip.
I grew up around Disney. It was at one time where both of my parents worked. It was, when I was in High School, where I worked. Grad Night for me was in the Magic Kingdom. I met my first pen pal at the Contemporary Resort Hotel pool.
When my mom became ill with cancer, Disney supported her through her illness in large and small ways. Holding her job for her ‘for when she gets better‘. During the worst days of her cancer fight by bringing her food on crisp linen with the instructions to ‘Just leave it by the door. Don’t clean it up. We’ll get it tomorrow.’ (Imagine if their own employees will do that for each other, consider just how far those employees will go for a guest. Pretty darn far, I’d say.) Consoling me and offering me assistance after she died.
Disney when I was younger, was my playground. It was where I grew up. It was the place of many milestones and celebrations for me. I brought my husband for his first trip to Walt Disney World. It holds a special place in my heart. I relish bringing my kids to Disney, even if it is to go to the LEGO Store.
When I was younger, the top of the Contemporary Resort Hotel was a Restaurant/Lounge called Top of the World. It had an observation deck where you have an incredible view of the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. In the lounge they had a drinks list, and on that list was drinks like Monorail Yellow and Monorail Blue. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to finally get to try those drinks!
To my dismay, by the time I was old enough, the Top of the World was no more. It was closed to make way for what is now the California Grill.
I had the opportunity to have dinner there last Saturday night with my new friends. As the sun set behind the Magic Kingdom, and the appetizers were devoured, I was having a surreal moment. Not because I was in a fancy restaurant, but because I was eating dinner at the Top of the World!
Without my mother.
We had planned to eat here. It simply never happened. Time ran out.
As I sat there, talking and laughing and enjoying my dinner, my mother was never far from my mind.
I went out to the observation deck with some lovely ladies, and we took photos of the setting sun. We found someone to take a photo of us. We laughed and smiled and enjoyed the view. I remembered her.
After sun had set, and our fabulous waiter suggested we head out to the deck once again to watch the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. We did.
As I stood out there, watching the fireworks explode in the sky above, and hearing Jiminy Cricket’s voice as if he was whispering in my ear, I felt my mother’s presence. I felt like I was 8 years old again; when I held my mother’s hand and watched the fireworks go off and remembering those special moments that fade over time. That had faded in my memory until that evening.
As I turned to her, because she knew about my connection to Disney and how much it means to me, and all I could say was
“Thank you for this. You have no idea what this means to me.”
But I know she does.
And I can’t thank her enough. For everything.
July 6th, 2009 at 12:13 am
What beautiful memories, both old and new. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
And can I just say how jealous I am that you got to hang out with my girl, Shellie?
Sugar Jones´s last blog ..Jones Family Camping Trip: Part 1
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Shash Reply:
July 6th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Shellie is the bees knees!! Was so PSYCHED to meet her in person! I wanna camp out on her front lawn!
Shash´s last blog ..A Magical Weekend For So Many Reasons
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July 6th, 2009 at 4:37 am
How wonderful!!! Congrats on an awesome time!!
You are so lucky LOL
Angela´s last blog ..pediped Originals Giveaway!
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July 6th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I don’t care what they call it now, it’s always Top of the World to me.
Hockeyman´s last blog ..Wait….What?….Woah
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July 6th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
This is so sweet. Such a beautiful tribute to your mom.
We spent a lot of time at Disney when I was a kid too. Much less so once my Nana (who usually led the charge) passed of Ovarian cancer in the early 90’s.
I haven’t been to the Magic Kingdom in 11 years. But we’re going this December with both boys. It’ll be my first trip there with my husband.
Maria´s last blog ..adventuring
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July 6th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Got me all choked up there, Mama! You know your Mom was right there with you, in your heart. What beautiful memories you made!
Angel Smith´s last blog ..Survivor.
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July 6th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
awww Shari! I can’t believe I was right there with you sharing in your memories even though I didn’t know it. Meanwhile, new memories were being made for our family.
So awesome.
Melanie (Modern Mami)´s last blog ..World’s Worst Mom
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July 6th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Now I’m crying, but that’s OK.
Shari, It was a pleasure meeting you and the other ladies. To me that night was truly magical, and I am glad we were able to spend it together. I am positive that your mom was right there with you.
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July 7th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Choking up – what a wonderful way to blend present with past.
Daisy´s last blog ..Strawberry Dump Cake
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July 7th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Shari,
It was great getting to know you and all of the other ladies. It was a magical weekend I will never forget.
Cindy Schultz´s last blog ..Characters In Flight
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