Magic

Magic from a distance,

I’ve been to Disney World too many times to count. When my sons were younger, we vacationed there every other year — until one day, my youngest, with all the disdain a child can muster, asked, “Do we have to go to Disney AGAIN this year?”

After I pulled myself together from the figurative ice water thrown in my face, I answered, “Well, no. No, we do not,” (When I speak without contractions, it means I’m shook.) Admittedly, I was a bit surprised by his “disrespect” of “The Mouse,” but I persevered. And just like that, we started venturing off to other places.

Growing up, vacations were a rarity. Then again, having a home, food, water, and electricity wasn’t always guaranteed. Sometimes, we had a place to live but no power. Sometimes, we had power but no running water. And sometimes, we had neither. You get the picture.

We took precisely two vacations. The first was to Tennessee, where I filled my suitcase with rocks because I desperately wanted to take the experience home. (I still take one rock home from almost every trip.) The second was to Disney World, where we immediately burned through all the E-tickets. (Those my age or older will remember the glory of Disney World E-tickets — they got you on the best rides.) My siblings and I wanted more, but we were out of luck.

So, I suppose my childhood longing was stuck in my adult head, and it convinced me that every kid dreamed of unlimited Disney trips. I never imagined a child could tire of Disney like my “punk” did.

Years later, when we returned to Disney after the much-needed break, both sons had a blast — even the little “punk” who had, years earlier, made me rethink my entire vacation-planning protocol. The “punk” and I (also) later returned for a memorable tour of Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. (This incredible organization gifts critically ill children and their families’ cost-free vacations.) In addition to visiting the Village, we squeezed in some park time and rode the super fun rides — no E-tickets required. (Disney with adult “children” is a whole different kind of Magic.)

The "Valor Chocolate" Dessert at Capa. It was life-changing! (Chocolate mousse, coffee ice cream, toffee crunch, meringue)

So, what about the picture at the very top of this article? It’s the view of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from the balcony of Capa, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Orlando. (When the fireworks are about to begin, the waitstaff tells everyone so they can leave their tables and go out to the balcony and watch!)

It was a pinch-me moment. It reminded me of how far I’ve come.

Today, I often skip meals (intermittent fasting), but I never have to. My faucets always pour clean water — except when we’re under a boil advisory because of a hurricane or a once-in-a-lifetime Louisiana snowstorm. My adult-self has never had to steal water from a neighbor’s hosepipe to flush the toilet. (You’re welcome, Suzy and Kenny!) And thankfully, my lights have never once been cut off by the "bastards," as my mother used to call the utility workers who shut off our power because of non-payment.

I never dreamed of mansions, five-star hotels, or world travel. My dreams were smaller: safety, stability, and a little bit of Magic. I wanted that for my sons, and with God’s grace, we gave it to them.

Maybe I should have prayed for more — but I didn’t need to. He knew better. And He has given me more than I ever hoped for.

Undoubtedly, my childhood is why I live each day with a profound appreciation — for everything, big and small. I mean EVERYTHING!

Do I finally feel safe? Not exactly. I’ve learned there’s no such thing as complete safety. Too much is out of our control to ever be completely secure. But I know this: with God's help, I’ll get through whatever comes my way.

What about you? What “Magic” moments have tapped you on the shoulder and asked: “Are you paying attention? Are you pinching yourself? Are you being present? Do you truly understand what this moment really means?”

I’d be willing to bet that we ALL have So Very Much to thank God for.

May we all be capable of appreciating the Magic in EVERY moment!