What a beautiful sight!Last night, Happily Ever After returned to Walt Disney World. My daughter and I were able to get reservations for the Magic Kingdom, and I could not wait to see the show again. Right now, I’d like to get a little personal.
We all know that 2020 was a terrible year, but for me, 2021 has been far worse. I lost both of my parents this year. Fortunately, I was able to spend quality time with them before they passed, and they both died peacefully. (Thankfully, it wasn’t COVID.) This has been the hardest thing that I’ve ever gone through. We held a double burial on their 64th wedding anniversary.
Coming back to Florida after the service has been strange. Life goes on, but somehow everything is different. I’ve had a few other kick-in-the-gut moments this year as well, part of me has wanted to climb into bed and not come out again until it’s 2022.
Then last night, Happily Ever After returned. As we waited in the rain I wondered what those around me had been going through. Everyone has a story. Those standing near me didn’t know my pain, and I didn’t know theirs. All we knew was that we were all anxious to see the sky above Cinderella Castle light up once again.
And then it started. For a few minutes, things were normal once again. There was no pandemic, no pain, no loss. It was just a crowd of people standing in front of Cinderella Castle, enjoying one of the best fireworks displays anywhere. I know that this word is thrown around a lot, but it truly was magical.
I don’t know what the second half of 2021 will bring, but already July has been a better month than January was! I sincerely hope that the second half of this year is wonderful for anyone who reads this. We could all use a break.