The Long Goodbye

As I write these words, our two children lay asleep side by side in our room at Walt Disney World. Allow me to clarify; Jamie is a twenty-six year old married college graduate. Jessica is twenty-four year’s old, also a college graduate, and she moved to Chicago a couple of weeks ago to be with her boyfriend Marcos. Jamie and her husband Chris are moving out in a couple of weeks. They are moving to Los Angeles. This will most likely be our last trip to Disney with just the four of us. Chris and Marcos both love Orlando as well, but they were kind enough to allow us this time with our girls.

My wife Karen and I have been bringing the girls to Disney World since they were little. I hope I can express my emotions about this in an appropriate manner. Our lives have not been perfect, but we have been blessed. Our vacations have revolved around visits to “The Mouse.” The girls would not hear of going other places, this is where they always wanted to be.        

When we arrived at the resort last weekend, there was a bus loading with people. Their vacation was coming to an end. I made a sad sound and Jamie said “careful, that will be us soon enough.” I thought to myself, “someone’s vacation is always beginning, and someone else’s is always ending.” This thought reoccurred to me throughout the week.  I must admit, Karen and I have wept a few times these last few months, no less so this week. Last night I saw a father carrying his young daughter on his shoulders. They were headed for the Peter Pan ride. This prompted a visit from the Tear Fairy. Their vacation was just beginning.

Today, we are going to The Magic Kingdom. We are going to play at our favorite playground for a couple hours and then we are going to begin the long drive home. Our vacation, as well as our time with our children in our home, is coming to an end. Someone’s vacation is always coming to an end. I know that the word “magical” is overused. I believe we diminish our own language by abusing such words, but it is as close as I can come to expressing how I feel about this time and place.

So off we go, it’s time to play. There will be time for tears later; now is not that time. Our children are beginning the next phase of their lives and Karen and I are as well. I wish you all a good day and hope you find time to play. As for me, I never intend to grow up. I have seen their lot and have no desire to join them. Off to Neverland.