Dear Wednesday Wisdom Readers,
Today there is so much to blog about that I am pulled to write way too much. A week away from the computer and only minimal texting reawakened and reinforced so many things I know about life, myself, being human, and being fully present to the moments we have.
But for today… Solomon and SJ (our own Disney type characters) and Tom and I are glad to be here at our WW post.
Yes, we are back from a week at Disney World in sunny Orlando, Florida!
Which brings me to share an overview of our story. . .
One day while the grandkids were on a roller coaster, Grandpa Tom and I opted for a quieter choice. We went to a film and exhibit about Walt Disney. It deeply touched both of us.
Disney, it seems, had a tough upbringing filled with hard work, responsibility, and a roller coaster ride of failures and successes.
Walt Disney also had some natural gifts … artistic talent, a large imagination mixed with ambition and relentless determination.
What has this got to do with all of us?
Well, his story is a child-parent and parent-child story much like all of ours.
Also, one man’s belief in what is possible combined with hard work and imagination turned a dream into a legacy. That is us too, even if on a smaller scale.
What was one of the motivators? Being a father!
On Saturdays Walt spent time with his two daughters and enjoyed taking them places. It was out of this father-daughter time a vision was conceived. He saw how it bonded them and how much fun it was to find places that both he and they enjoyed.
Fast Forward ….
Last week, another father-daughter relationship inspired a dream that came true.
Tom, (husband, father, grandfather, friend to so many, and behind-the-scenes- support of all things TSJ) was inspired by his daughter’s dream –– a family trip to Disney – when he was told his options for cancer treatment were running out. Finally, one more try at treatment and then – the goal – Disney World in May.
It was a long winter of ups and downs. But there was always the dream . . . . the vision of what is possible.
The creative and loving energies behind the dream came from daughter, Amy, and her husband, Dan, whose inspiration, planning, and commitment made it possible.
Amy and Dan’s dream was a true investment in things that matter. Yes, it was also an investment of time and money but the pure love for family behind it was an investment in things that matter. Things that will last our lifetimes.
No doubt, the details will fade in our memories, even the thrill of the rides for the children, or the heat and fatigue of waiting in lines. The weight of the backpacks that carried food and drinks is already forgotten. The noisy crowds, the expense, the rains that closed down the coveted roller coaster rides and soaked our clothing, all will be a distant story in no time.
What matters, however, is exactly what Disney and Amy and Dan wanted to matter.
It was a break from daily worries, a time to get away and be with family, a time to laugh and imagine, to share stories, to lead children into the land of wonder, fantasy, and curiosity. It was a time to indulge the forever child within each of us.
For Tom and me, it was beyond special as a time to soak in the love and thoughtfulness of our children and grandchildren as deeply as the Florida sunshine.
We enjoyed time watching the sea of people and noted that parenting is the same in any language (more about that later). There were parents and children of all ages from around the world. Many languages united by one love – family.
What mattered to us was watching our happy grandchildren with wide eyes, delightful squeals, curiosity and wonder. What mattered were healthy family meals cooked playfully and lovingly by Dan and Amy in our condo-like suite where we all stayed as a family. What mattered was waking up to morning coffee on the seventh floor balcony overlooking a forest of trees and peaceful ponds with many birds. What mattered were those morning smiles, making plans for the day and gentle conversations.
What mattered forever were the stories we shared over drinks on the balcony in the evening.
Solomon sits with his calm grin and says, “You see, I keep telling you what matters.”
Sigh. I know. I forget way too often. Our children help us remember.
Thank you goes to the Creator/Shepherd for life, love, and all of our children and grandchildren.
What really matters to you today where you are?
Memories have been made. Love wins again.
Happily back playing in the pastures of regular life with full hearts,
Margie and Solomon,
