The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
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level.
Well, I made it back home late yesterday from an eleven day adventure out to Florida to go see Mickey Mouse. I went with some friends, sixteen of us in all.
I had a really fabulous time. And am so very worn out! If there is an attraction in any of the 4 disney parks or the two universal parks that I didn't do, I am NOT aware of it! lol
One the first night of our journey we met up with my brother and we all played Lazer Tag at Lazer Quest to celebrate one of the children's birthday. I ran around in the dark shooting everything that moved with my lazer for an hour and a half.
Another evening I ventured into a Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and played slot machines for a couple of hours. I found out I don't have to worry about a future need for Gamblers Anonymous, because any predisposition to having a gambling problem is far overshadowed by my .. mmmmmmmmm.... thriftiness! I lost about 10 bucks then watched one friend win 150 bucks on a quarter slot machine. It was exciting!
Of course Disney was the crown jewel of the trip for me. I had gone there 5 years ago with my ex-wife and step sons. While that trip was good too, it was so different. Disney was still the same for me, a magical place that I had dreamed of going to from the time I was a small boy watching "The Wonderful World of Disney" on Sunday nights.
5 years ago I somehow missed going to Space Mountain! This time it was the first ride I did! lol.
I got home last nite just in time to go straight to my ftf meeting, so I did! Someone asked me what was my favorite thing in Disney. I just smiled, because the first thing that popped in my head surprised me a little bit.
One evening while at MGM Studios we had stayed to see the show Fantasmic, which starts just before the park closes after dark. You need to get there at least an hour before the show starts to get a seat, because seating is limited to, I would estimate, around 6 thousand folks. We had our seats and began our hour long wait. I went to a concession stand to get a drink. When I got to the counter I was debating on Soda or Water. I decided on a soda and then something inside told me to get a water in case someone else might need a drink.
Back in my seat a while later, I had been watching this young mother sitting in the row in front of me playing games with her two young children to keep them entertained during the wait. She was playing patty cake with them, and singing with them and a few other small children in the area. It made me joyful to watch them. About 10 minutes before the show started her little girl, who is about 3 starts crying. Mama asked her what was wrong and her baby told her she was thirsty.
I saw a look of fear on her face as she looked at the long lines to the consession stands. I could see her trying to decide how she was going to handle the situation...leave her children there, take them with her, lose their seats...so many people!! I so remembered exactly what she was feeling from when I had the boys with me 5 years earlier.
I picked up my unopened bottled water and offered it to her. At first she was doubtful and unsure as to whether to accept it or not. So I told her, please take it, I purchased it in case someone needed it, and I can see that you need it. The look of relief and gratitude that washed over her face as she accepted the water was the highlight of my trip folks. Better than Space Mountain. Better than the Tower of Terror! Even better than getting my picture taken with Pocahantas!!!
I thanked my HP for the nudge at the counter to get the extra drink. I thank all of you for teaching me to listen to those inner nudges.
Anyhow! I'm Baaaack!! My two kitties, looked at me a little bit warily when I walked up (who's this guy?!) But when I walked back outside with their food cup in my hand it was all "Oh yeah!!!!" and all was forgiven as they both rubbed on my legs and meowed at me.
Congratulation on tapping into that HP instinct - your post brought tears to my eyes, as I was one of those mothers once!!! After a greuling (sp) day in an ER with a 6 month old, I hadn't eaten or drank anything in hours, and was not about to leave my baby with the nurses to get myself something. I had to wait for a Dr. to release my son, and apparently the Dr. was busy with other patients. I must have been there for at least 4 hours, and was hitting my wits end, and this "angel" of a man could see I was....he proceeded to bring me a piece of pizza and a soda, without even asking. I will never forget that kindness. You were someone's angel that day. God Bless!!!
What an amazing post. Thank you so much for sharing it w/us. I am so glad that you had a great time. And I am so glad that you were able to be someone's Knight in Shining Armor brandishing a wonderful water to help out that mother w/the young kids. How incredibly wonderful of you.
David... I feel exhilarated and inspired by your post!
What a great description of "Taking care of yourself"....sometimes I have wondered what that means. Your share reminds me to treat the child within us....I love it!
I am just plain jealous, green with envy even. I would give just about anything to be able to afford to go and see Mickey Mouse. Maybe if we sold the house. Or maybe when I am fifty. Until then will just have to live vicariously through you!!!! lol
Glad you had a wonderful time.
lilms
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Two things: 1. Recovery is a process, not an event.....and.... 2. You only get to go around once. Leave em laughing and make it worth your while
Welcome home David, and woooo do we get to see the pic with Pocahontas? :) Sounds like you outdid yourself at Disney and beyond! hee hee So happy you had a wonderful time. I wonder if you got rained on as we finally did!!! Good for us, not for you? And where is your Mickey Mouse penny?
I just love the incident with the extra bottle of water, and thank you for a dandy idea to store in my craw.
Welcome home! So glad you had a good time. Yep, listening to those inner voices is usually a good thing. That Mom got a glimpse of a wonderful human. Remember that old saying? Practice random acts of kindness? Not a bad thing to do on a daily basis.
I've always loved Disney, but I'm a bit of wimp when it comes to rides. Space Mountain? Forget it! I being a 5' stick of dynamite (as my FIL calls me) and an archaelogist, loved It's a Small World and the Haunted Mansion. Hmm.... didn't know why back then, now I do.
Now remember Dad you've left your children for a week (how could you do that?) so they need extra treats, lovies and itchies all weekend long! Love and blessings to you and your boys.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
I lost about 10 bucks then watched one friend win 150 bucks on a quarter slot machine. It was exciting!
So glad you had a good time. Yep, listening to those inner voices is usually a good thing. That Mom got a glimpse of a wonderful human. Remember that old saying? Practice random acts of kindness? Not a bad thing to do on a daily basis.