The Mouse

 As a kid, Spring Break meant one thing, Disney World. My parents had their own trips during the year. Two weeks in Europe in the fall. So this was a trip for the kids. Anna Kate would come along so Heather and I didn’t kill each other on the ride. Part of the fun was preparing for the ride. Loading snacks, notepads and thinking of games we could play along the way. There was really only one stop on the way and that was Shoney’s, mostly for the brownie sundae. We always stayed at a small hotel in the park, The Golf Resort. It doesn’t exist as it was anymore; but it was perfect. Right in the park but not annoyingly themed. I have memories of getting out of the car after that long eight hour drive to the smell of lilies and freedom. My parents gave us a room key and let us loose. We hopped on and off the monorail, ate junk food in every country at Epcot and stayed out until the park closed. My parents would stay in the room and read for the morning and meet us at night to avoid the sticky Florida heat. I am so grateful to my parents for these trips. For all the trips my mom planned for us. Without internet. I have no doubt there was fighting, and whining, and tears, but all I remember now is how much fun we all had. 

I try to do the same for my kids, but the world is so different. So different. I wish I could carry my kids with me through my happiest memories. I wish I could share how it felt to wander about totally unafraid. Standing with Heather and Anna Kate at midnight in line for some ride, knowing that all was right in the world. 


I know, you can’t live in fear. I have a new baby. I think that makes me pretty damn optimistic. But I do think about how I can prepare them. Prepare them to make the world better for everyone. Prepare them to be safe and keep others safe. I want them to stand up for the underdog and be the rational calm voice in the crowd. I also want them to be able to just be kids. To come home at dark after playing outside all day. To have stories to share with their own kids one day. So I scroll the airbnb listings, I gather “Best Family Vacation” articles on Pinterest and I try to do plan like my mom would. Hoping they will remember only the good stuff.

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