in which I want to say thank you.
I thought a lot about what I wanted this post to be, about how I wanted to "end" the pretrip report.
And I really think the best way for me to end it is to say thank you. Thank you for reading along. For those of you who know me well, thank you for being the amazing friends that you are. I know it's not a new theme to talk about how lucky we all are that something like the DIS, and Disney, in general, could bring us all together.
And my general rule of thumb has always been, if someone likes Disney, and travelling there as much (or more) than I do, then they're good people.
I don't see any finer example of that than all of the amazing friends I've made on the DIS.
I remember meeting someone of you when Nemo was a toddler, and talking about all our escapades with a young kiddo in the World.
I remember how you supported me when my mother lay in the hospital, dying, and when she passed. How you offered words of encouragement, and prayers, and virtual hugs, and made a wall of love around me so strong that even during that terrible time, I knew that life, even if I didn't want it to, would go on. That it would be full and rich with family and good friends.
I remember the congratulations when Squirt was born (shortly after my mother passed), and the joy we all felt at a new life coming into the world (and World) on the heels of all our sadness.
And how you all supported me as I took my first trip to the World without my mother.
And to think now, that I am going alone.
And here you are. My wonderful, wonderful friends.
And I just want to say that I'm so grateful. That in some way, I take a piece of each of you with me.
That I can't look at a light fixture without thinking of LL. Or see a picture of Indiana Jones without thinking of CP.
Heidi, I'll never forget watching the fireworks with you, and the way we first "met."
The way that every time I see Jack Sparrow, all I can think about is how Tink and I plotted for years to kidnap him, and when we finally did meet him, it was one of the best Disney experiences I've ever had. Heck, that made my year.
You're all so special to me. Cynthia, when you sent the gifts for the boys along with the car seat cover.
LegoMom, leaning forward.
Mean Queen, top of the world.
I know I'm not remembering to write everything down, and the best part of all is the memories yet to come.
Kathy. I can't wait to meet you.
I'm so excited to think that at this time tomorrow, I'll be in the Magic Kingdom. Of all the adventures on this trip, and in this life that are yet to come.
One of the greatest gifts my mother could have given me was the appreciation of life and love. Of friends and family.
And one of the greatest gifts I can give myself is being strong enough to say, I am doing this for me.
And I'm worth it. And every day, I feel blessed in so many ways.
And one of those ways is all of you. So for my last official pretrip report post, I celebrate you, and thank you.
"You've got troubles, I've got 'em too. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. We'll stick together to see it through cause you've got a friend in me."