Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Topiaries, Flowers and Mickey...Oh My!

     My family is a bit strange. People who know us have said that they thought the fact that in the midst of sadness and worry, the four of us spending a day at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom seemed perfectly normal. I'm not sure what strangers would think, but I also don't care. My kids grew up going to Disney almost every year. When your parents live in Florida, there is generally time for a few days with Mickey Mouse on the way home from a visit. Because of all those trips, my daughter now works for Disney. We flew my son down to see my mom for a few days a couple of weeks ago. We also wanted to see our daughter again before heading for home. On one of the days my son was in Sarasota, we drove to Orlando to spend the day with my daughter. We could have spent the day sitting around crying and looking at each other...but, that isn't what my mom would want us to do. She and my dad have spent countless days "doing Disney" with us. The kids actually had a good time together and my husband and I enjoyed doing something as a family. It had been 5 years since we had a "vacation" with all four of us. There were moments where one of us would start thinking of my mom and cry, but there were also many moments where we laughed and remembered past trips. The thing that made me the happiest is that my mom understood when we got back to the hospital where we had been and that we'd had a good time. She smiled and gave us the thumbs up!














I am linking for the first time to Outdoor Wednesday. Our hostess is Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer. Please take a moment and visit her today.


23 comments:

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great photos!!! I don't think you and your family are strange at all for what you did. I made a decision recently concerning a family issue that I know did not set well with some. But I feel I made the right one. "They" can think what "they" want.
Enjoy your evening.
Glenda

Gypsy Heart said...

I'm with you and Glenda! Who cares what "they" think, say or do? I grew up with that hanging over my head ~ no more. I know your Mom was happy that your little family was together and having fun, despite the tears. All of that is so normal and I'm so happy that you had this special time together.

I LOVE Epcot, Disney World...the whole 9 yards. It would bring smiles to anyone. Thanks so much for sharing the photos.

xoxo
Pat

Ms. Bake-it said...

How cool! I love the Lady and the Tramp topiaries! I like your attitude - don't worry about what other people think, do what is right for you. I am glad you had a great time.

~ Tracy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I am so glad that you were able to have a good time together and take a break from all your worries. Great photos and thanks for sharing.

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

I am so glad you had a happy time of wonderfull memories with your family. And how nice of you to share it with us too! I am still praying for you.
Yvonne

Sandra said...

Oh how beautiful! I dream of going to Disney World someday. Such wonderful memories you are creating with your family.
Blessings,
Sandra

J Rodney said...

You got some wonderful photos Sue! I completely understand, why you went. "That isn't what my mom would want us to do."....this is exactly what I kept telling myself, when my mother's days were coming to an end. Amidst all the sadness, we still had joyful moments together until the end.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Disney World is such a beautiful place! I'm sure your Mom was happy that your family had a special time together. ♥ Pat

koralee said...

So magical my friend...love these happy images today. Thanks for sharing.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Even your flowers are wearing pink today. We in New Zealand has Pink shirt day, to say no to bullying. You have a wonderful collection of photos, and Mickey and Minnie mouse.

Completely Coastal said...

The floating flowers in the last shot are just precious!!

Maya @ Daily Vitamin Sea

Shellbelle said...

Oh my dear Sue, I'm finally back to blogging after my move and I was trying to decide who to stop by and see first. With so many fab friends it was a tough decision, but I decided to stop by here first. When I read back and saw all you've been going through, I knew it was the right place to be. I am so sorry I wasn't there to lend my support, but I'm here now and sending out all the positive energy I have. I think your family's decision to go to Disney was perfect! What better way to honor your mother than to spend a day somewhere that holds such wonderful memories. I'm with your mom — thumbs up, way up!

Low Tide High Style said...

Sue, I'm so glad that you and your family were able to spend some quality time together with everything you have going on right now. Those gorgeous flowers at Disney were just what you needed to lift your spirits I'm sure!

Kat :)

Roberta said...

A beautiful story Sue. A healthy way to deal with the sadness. A memorable positive family trip. As long as you're all together...pretty butterfly! My thoughts are with you Dearest.xo

dee dee said...

Such beautiful photos! I'm so glad that God gave you this time together as a family. Looks like he provided the ideal sunny day in which to celebrate togetherness!
In much prayer...
Dee Dee

The Charm of Home said...

Sue,
You are not strange. There are lots of wonderful memories from families going to WDW. That is why Walt made the place so people can have a magical time together. Even in the midst of life.:)

LV said...

It comes a time, wen we have to make decisions that are hard. Even though your mother was very ill, your staying there would not have changed that. It makes her fight more waiting for your return.Glad it all worked for the best to all.

Andrea at Opulent Cottage said...

Your photos are beautiful! Believe me, that's what I would want my daughter to do, too. Thank you for sharing your story!

Angie said...

What great photos - looks like a lot of fun and a great way to spend time together as a family.

Holly Lefevre said...

I think it is great you got to have a little break and spend some time with family and Mickey!

Natasha in Oz said...

We have only been to Disney world once and Epcot was our favourite place. The gardens are gorgeous but next time you go can you please take a picture of Test track just for me? That was the highlight of ALL of the parks for me!!

So glad you had a great day.

Best wishes,
Natasha.

nannykim/spindlecottage said...

So beautiful. I have never been to Disney because I don't enjoy crowds. But your pics show a beautiful side!! Oh, I like your idea on your comment on my blog about putting some lanterns outside. I would love to do it!! Perhaps I can find some! We have had some pretty good wind and I wondered but the weight of the water at the bottom of the screen seemed to help anchor the whole thing including the umbrella. We shall see what happens in the future!

Karen said...

YOU GO GIRL! I am DONE worrying about what others think. And - having been in somewhat of a similar situation as you - I know how important it is to get out and just BE!
And you know - that had to just tickle your Mom.
THUMBS UP FROM ME TOO!
:) Karen - Some days are diamonds