Happy Birthday, Donald Duck!
Happy Birthday, Donald Duck!
With all the talk of COVID19 and debates about the reopening of Walt Disney World, it’s nice to have something, and someone, to celebrate. Time has sort of stood still, and it’s hard to remember the date or day of the week, but I realize that it will soon be the end of the school year, followed by the anniversary of when Ben went into the emergency room and everything changed. It’s never been my favorite season- I hate the heat- but now there is the added set of memories. Also, a quarantine that’s being lifted in some places in a way that gives me little confidence. I definitely feel a certain level of anxiety, but as Dory taught me, I just keep swimming. Seems a perfect time to think about the fun and laughs we shared with Donald, even in the more difficult days.
I lose myself in the photographs, which bring tears of joy and sadness. Donald was always so much fun at the meet and greets. And, being a Spanish teacher, I did especially love when he was at the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.
I share these photos because photos and memories have played such an important and positive part of my dealing with the rough times of watching Ben decline as his ALS progressed, and dealing with grief. It does not mean that I don’t get upset or lament the times we will never have. But, I also think about how lucky we were to share this love of Disney that always shed much needed pixie dust on our lives. Donald is part of those special memories that comfort me. So, with gratitude and joy, I say Happy Birthday to Donald Duck.
