But Mommm: An Emotional Day

by Sarah W of HRM Parent

Our mom blogger is under the weather today, so we’re re-posting a blog from April of last year that I was reminded of last night when our kids wanted to look at pictures of when they “met the princesses”.   

The thrill of motherhood the joy of nostalgia and a dream come true. I cried three times yesterday for three very different reasons.

I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing the amazing world of Walt Disney through the eyes of my 2 and 4 year old daughters. They had gone to sleep the night before with a game plan of how many princesses they wanted to meet, how many characters they wanted to hug what dresses they would wear and in what order. We were up and at ‘em early in the morning loaded with sunscreen, snacks, water and an autograph book. It was an amazing day, but personally for me, it was an emotional one as well. 

First cry:  We weren’t through the gates of the Magic Kingdom 20 minutes and we were face to face with Cinderella, Princess Aurora and Belle. My 4 year old was in total shock and awe. I swear I actually heard her heart pounding as we got closer and closer to them.  It was all so surreal and her pure raw excitement was enough to elevate my own emotions as well.

Second cry:  ok, I admit it – my second tear wiping was on the classic, same as the way I remember “it’s a small world” ride. We were lucky enough to have my folks and my sister’s family join us at Disney as well which was great. Although it was only in that moment that I realized how very special it was. Being in that moment, with my parents and my girls in the front seat of the boat, singing the song, throwing the pennies in the water…seeing them do the very same thing they did with me 30 years before was pretty touching. Not only for the fact that they were able to share in such a fun moment with us, but also for what that very moment might have given back to them.  

Third cry: as you would expect, we were totally wrapped up in the day and all the magic of Disney. The girls were a-glow with wonder and the adults were just as enchanted with it all. The place was packed with so many different groups of people: newlyweds, families, school groups and one very special group that caught my eye. It was a tiny glimpse as we walked by, but one of those moments that you almost see in slow motion. They were waiting in line to see Pinocchio. A snap-happy father capturing as many pictures as he could, a mother who was practically jumping out of her flip-flops and a tiny boy in a wheelchair. Each of them wearing a crisp clean Children’s Wish t-shirt and smiling the biggest smiles I had seen all day. It made me sad, but it made me happy too. I know wishes are granted to sick kids all the time, but it was so different to see one actually coming true.

The whole day made me realize that – it doesn’t have to take a place like Disney to feel some of those same emotions. We can still bring magic into our lives at home. We could bring more delight to our kids by making even the smallest moments, big ones. We could build more traditions.  We could give more of ourselves to others. 

So while I left Disney with a little less money in my wallet, I gained it all back in gratitude and inspiration. Thanks Walt!