Happiest Place on Earth

We love Disneyland.

It is true that you don’t see many smiling faces at the happiest place on earth (I did pay attention this time, GPA, and your observation was accurate.) It is true that it’s a bit silly to stand in the line for 40 minutes for a two-minute ride. It is true that the over-priced bottled water, corn dogs and churros would cause indigestion for some and it happens before they take a bite. It is also true that the establishment reeks of the stink of big corporation; and is a showcase of how money can create images and how propagandas can be done so discreetly and beautifully.

But we face truth with dignity and preparations; and the fact that Mr. D has been working hard to make sure this trip is possible helps, too. It is not difficult to conquer truth with experiences and with courage to say “no” to your children when they want everything in the gift shop(s). Along the way you discover that you are actually enjoying being in a crowd; being within the earshot of other parents’ frustrated command: “Dorothy, get over here!”; of children’s high pitched exclamations: “Loooook! Mickey Mouse!!”; of the screaming coming from the rides and the laughing and giggling of the young and the old. You are not really yourself when you are in Disneyland - you are a princess or a pirate; a time traveler or a story teller; a mouse or a bear; a magician or a monster - and whatever it is, it suits you perfectly.

We don’t always find happiness in truth though we do in Disneyland. I was convinced the moment I saw Henry running through the made-believe redwood “forest” and bouncing on the suspension bridge, smiling big at his own bravery. Ethan enthusiastically swing or flying across an area where it’s cushioned with rubbery debris. My heart found indescribable joy when I saw the brothers holding hands walking through the bridges made of ropes. Hanging onto each other, they will take care of each other when one day their parents disappear with the dust.

And there are more to be posted because the memories and the smiles are still fresh and the dreamer is still dreaming.