Unseen

I couldn't decide whether I needed to blog then workout or workout then blog. I have a lot of things to say, but I need to clear my head. I think blogging first is the best option... I don't ever want to forget these thoughts swirling around in my head.

Here at Disney, there is almost a high schoolish "clique" thing between "fur" characters and "face" characters. It sometimes gets a little silly. I think we are all on an even playing field, neither above nor below the other. But let me just say that fur characters can do something during an interaction with guests that face characters can't do: 

we can cry. 

Many, many priceless moments come along while you are bringing a character to life. Some are more poignant than others. Today I had three absolutely precious "magical moments" (that's Disney terminology for you) that I will never forget. And they aren't all that uncommon either; it's just that I was the one behind the mask. 

I got to be friends with both Minnie Mouse and Marie, the white kitten from the Aristocats, today. I was so pumped to be able to bring both of these wonderful gals to life. I was outside in the 88 degree weather (not complaining mind you!), and in the costume it rises a couple of degrees. Each set is 30 minutes, which isn't all that long but you are so exhausted after a set is completed. At the end of a set with Minnie, my attendant came up to me and asked if she could borrow me for five to ten minutes. Inside, I groaned. All I wanted was some A/C and water. But the attendant told me that a group of special needs kids really wanted to see Minnie, and this was their last chance to do so. Of course, I nodded my agreement. But I must be honest, I wasn't all that excited. I was a little nervous, as I have never been around special needs children before. I didn't know what to do. But Minnie did. So I just went with it. 

Ten darling kids and their parents and teachers got to come to a special meet and greet with Minnie. Each one of them cried Minnie's name and hugged her so tightly. The parents and teachers even jumped in, getting a picture with Minnie as they professed their thanks over and over for the "magical moment'' their kids were receiving. 

I was crying. Tears, everywhere. But Minnie, gracious as she always is, inclined her head, telling them it was her absolute pleasure. And it was, oh it was. 

Then it was Marie's turn. The second incident was with a little girl, no more than six... I noticed this little girl had many scars on her body. Scars from surgery, most likely. Then I saw the little pink button on her shirt. This little pink button was given to her by Disney, so we could see that she was apart of the Make A Wish Foundation... This little pink button also signifies that the child wearing it is terminally ill. But like I said, this isn't all that uncommon. 

Anyways, I knelt down so I could look into the little girls eyes. She was a little shy, so Marie extended her paw as an invitation for the girl to pet Marie. The girl took the bait and began stroking Marie's paw and arm. Her face slowly lit up and she flung herself into Marie's soft, furry chest. Marie wrapped her arms around the little girl, and the little girl smiled up at her. The little girl whispered so nobody else would hear "I love you, Marie". Again, tears. Lots of tears. But Marie just kissed the little girl smack on the head. 

Third moment. Marie. Another Make A Wish little girl. She was probably around eight, and she had cancer. A colorful hat was on her head. And oh, I will never forget how weak she looked. She looked so tired,as she slumped in a wheel chair. I've never seen an eight year old with such dead eyes before. It broke my heart to look into her grey eyes, surrounded by dark circles... all I could see was how much pain she was in. Marie knelt down and put her paw on the little girls hand. The little girl looked into Marie's blue eyes and smiled. Two front teeth were missing. So dang cute! The little girl took Marie's paw and brought it to her cheek. She closed her eyes and just smiled. Her skin seemed to go from ashy to a pale pink, almost rosy. She opened her eyes, but didn't say a word. She just sat smiling at Marie. Inside, with my hand in Marie's paw, I began to pray. I had my hands laid on this precious child, so I spoke peace, comfort, and above all healing for that little girl. 

I knew that the time was ticking, I still had several other guests to greet. But that little girl would not let go of Marie's paw. She looked at her dad and quietly said, "I want to stay with Marie". My heart nearly exploded. 

It's moments like these, that I am so grateful to be "behind the scenes", completely unseen, but able to see everything.