Celebrating with Disney: Reflecting on Time with Grandparents

photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/disneyworldsecets/2753327274/

There is nothing like going to Disney and seeing the magic through the eyes of a child; but for me, seeing it through the eyes of the elderly is something very special.

My husband and I had the honor of celebrating his Grandpa’s 75th Birthday in Walt Disney World. I can still remember…. Grandma was in a wheelchair and Grandpa had a nice shiny blue scooter. I was very concerned at first at how people much older would take to the long lines, the crowds and the noise; to my surprise it was better than expected.

I will never forget the look on their faces when we pushed them up Main Street to see the Castle; the tears in their eyes and the delight of them reflecting back to a simpler time when they were young, ageless and healthy.

From riding Dumbo to even spinning on the Tea Cups, they did it all. Cautiously of course, but they did it. The looks on their faces were priceless, like a little girl and boy just starting life, learning new adventures and living in the moment.

For Grandma and Grandpa, this was a trip that took away all of the worries about their health, how old they were and how long they were going to be with us. Instead, Disney transformed them, taking them back to their youth when nothing was wrong, there was not a worry in the world and all they had to do was live.

I remember eating at Crystal Palace for breakfast one morning and Tigger coming up behind Grandpa and taking his ballcap. The sparkle in his eye and the laughter that came from him was priceless.. for that moment, I saw Grandpa as a little boy, a kid with a new found love.

This was such a good trip for them. Their health wasn’t good, they were growing older by the day and they needed a place that they could go to not only celebrate Grandpa’s birthday but to celebrate….. life. 

I am forever grateful that I got the opportunity to see Disney through them. For shortly after, Grandpa passed away.Grandma was diagnosed with cancer and she shortly passed as well. The one thing that I know made their life complete, was being able to be a little girl and boy one more time. It was a time for them to remember how life was, reflect back to their childhood and live in a moment where their sickness went away and the aging process stopped.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit the most magical place on earth with the elderly, don’t pass up the opportunity. It is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. To see two people that have lived their life and didn’t feel like they had any more reason to live; Disney made them timeless, ageless and for a special week, Disney made them live again.

Keep Believing ~ Belinda

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Belinda is a Disney Vow Renewal Bride, and a massive Disney addict. In her words: “I am happily married to my high school sweetheart and we have two four legged kids, our cat Simba and our dog Harley. My husband and I have been to Disney 16+ times, been aboard Disney Cruise Line 5+ times and have had a vow renewal wedding aboard the Disney Magic! We have a room in our home we call our happy place. It is wall to wall Disney and nothing more. Not a day goes by that I’m not in my room basking in the happiness that only Disney can create. My hope is to share with all of you, the love and passion that I have for Disney while embracing the magic of Walt’s dream. I am honored to be a contributor for The Affordable Mouse, and look forward to helping spread a little Disney magic.”