Side Note: We just went on our first cruise with two other families, a Disney cruise to the Western Caribbean.
After a very long eventful day, Presley was in bed and I ventured out to get some paper for her and her friends to do some drawing (the following morning). On my quiet (relatively speaking) walk I noticed this lil’ boy 3-4 years old (with a pirate sword) spot Mickey Mouse walking towards him.
The little pirate jumping up and down yelling, “Mickey! Mickey! Mickey! Mickey Mouseeee!” Miraculously there was no one else around so his little boy had a rare run in with Mickey Mouse virtually alone. This was such a thrilling moment- the reason people come on these trips to have, I looked around to see his mom or dad’s reaction. There was a women with her back to him but she didn’t pay any attention to him. Mickey walked up to this little guy and gave him a high five and a pat on the head. The boy was beaming! He jumped as if he had springs and smiled and giggled like only a child can.
The little boy proceeded to jump, no- bounce and scream around the corner to the Port Adventure Desk where two small groups of people where talking. I still could not determine who’s this boy’s family was. As he bounces over between the two groups he finally says, “Mom! Mickey! Mickey!” The mom without looking at him pat’s him on the back and continues the conversation...
As this happens Mickey walks on by and the mom never caught a glimpse of the excitement her son face and experience the joy he had... These few moments gave me pause... Not in judgement of her, but in my day and my awareness of Presley and how have I reacted in her thrilling moments.
Why is it so easy for me to get caught up in everything else but the moment? Seeing this brief but poignant observation was just a reminder for me to recommit. I’m thankful for that subtle prompt. The great thing about being a parent is I get to keep trying to do it better everyday of my life and hopefully she will be thankful for me for the rest of her life...