A Short but Not Sweet Trip Review *12-1 Pre-Trip Report Link

[DopeyDonald]

SIGH just like with Disney, I love stories with a happy ending


SO SO glad that Cassidy is home & healthy along with the rest of your family.

I LOVE the fact that your kids bought your sombrero & wore it around the world and in the airport. They missed you for sure!

I just laughed and cried over your TR even more than usual .... cannot imagine laying down with my daughter on an OR table & then giving her a kiss on the head. OMG.

Nice that Cassie had her special princess tea party for her birthday - how thoughtful of your friends & the hospital to help with a space for that.

Hope you make it back to CA or FL soon for your make up trip...and I hope I see your TR on it too!

Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts I really hope to be posting another less eventful trip report soon - it will definitely be nice not to have to include any ambulance rides.... *knock on wood!

I'm so glad your baby is home and healing. Prayers for a pain-free and full recovery down the road... there is a light and it sounds like you have a great team of doctors that you're trusting with her care. That fact alone will ease the journey.

I'd be mad at Disney too - not for anything but just by association! And that happens all the time - you've written a report filled with "real" feelings about ambiguous situations and scary times. I think you captured what many of us have felt in the past in helpless situations - not at this capacity for me, but still helpless... You'll always play the association game and WL equals surgery equals pee equals French fries! See? Simple. LOL

Best wishes to you also as you get back into the swing of things. I'm glad you wrote - it's healing for you also.



gina

Thanks for the nice reply - I'm so glad someone else "gets" my anger at Disney - my DH thinks I'm nuts! I told him I'm not mad per say, but whenever I see pics, I just get a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. I'm just not there yet...hopefully that desire to go back will come soon!! lol And yes, the writing has been a lifesaver - it's been especially nice to write to people who get the Disney connection - most of my friends and family don't understand.... lol

 

[sherylcin]

I started reading your trip report with the thought of I can relate to this because in January our Bi-Annual Big Family Trip was disrupted by my son's entire family coming down with the flu. BUT, as I continued to read I realized that your ordeal with your precious little girl was way beyond our inconvenience with the flu!

Ultimately, I just wanted to say how happy I am that she is on the way to a full recovery! I pray things continue to go well for her and for your family! I'm also hoping you get that next trip in either to DL or WDW really soon!

BTW, I completely understand your anger at Disney. When my mom had her mastectomy (many years ago) I was mad at the surgeon for a while. Just had to have a target for that anger to go just that it happened. I bet a fun, uneventful trip will go a long way to diffuse that!

Wishing you and your family all the best!

 

[DopeyDonald]

I started reading your trip report with the thought of I can relate to this because in January our Bi-Annual Big Family Trip was disrupted by my son's entire family coming down with the flu. BUT, as I continued to read I realized that your ordeal with your precious little girl was way beyond our inconvenience with the flu!

Ultimately, I just wanted to say how happy I am that she is on the way to a full recovery! I pray things continue to go well for her and for your family! I'm also hoping you get that next trip in either to DL or WDW really soon!

BTW, I completely understand your anger at Disney. When my mom had her mastectomy (many years ago) I was mad at the surgeon for a while. Just had to have a target for that anger to go just that it happened. I bet a fun, uneventful trip will go a long way to diffuse that!

Wishing you and your family all the best!

It's funny because at first that's what I thought we were dealing with - the stomach flu. My older daughter started not feeling well - her bff back home called her and told her she was sick too! Then when Cassidy started throwing up I was horrified that it was the stomach flu! If I only knew... lol

Thank you for your prayers - they are amazing - we are feeling very blessed.

Oh and I'm getting over my anger fairly quickly...DH is trying to talk me into surprising the kids in Dec already....lol

 

[DopeyDonald]

Well here we are 2 weeks out from Surgery Day. Here are a few pics that sum up how she is doing...(and how spoiled she's gotten - lol)

Rollerblading in the living room? Why not? Also please note the half finished remodeling project going up the stairs...We HAD enough money to finish our major remodel, but it went to another Disney trip instead -

Here she is showing off her scar - I hope it doesn't gross anyone out - I think it looks like a scratch! It's healing up AMAZINGLY.

Other news: My DH's insurance has even better coverage than we knew. This won't be the life altering hit we thought it was going to be.
Why am I telling you this?? Because I may be putting a ticker up for Dec! We have the airline tickets from our return flight that we never used, plus I have about $90/person credit from flight prices dropping with SW. So our airline tickets are basically paid for...

SO. Pending her appointment on the 15th of October, which will be another MRI and a visit with the Main Dr. (vascular anomalies) We will have a better picture of what to expect for the future. Is she safe to vacation is my number one concern obviously. But also to see if the future holds more medical intervention etc. Right now we're just enjoying Running, Eating, Drinking, Peeing, Pooping Cassidy. She's doing all of those things better than she ever has! lol

We've finally reached some sense of normalcy again. My big kids had a bit of a rough patch after we got home. Some sadness and some crummy attitudes. I had to step back and realize how much stress impacts kids. We've gotten back on track with school (can't remember if I mentioned we homeschool or not....) and gotten our normal routine back down.

Oh, and we're getting a puppy. My son and I discussed it in the hospital a bit, when I probably would have promised them all a blue whale if that's what they wanted...but when we got home I came to my senses a bit. I told my son that I'm sorry, but I have to be more responsible than that. I need to pay some large hospital bills, etc. So he secretly wrote up a whole paper on why he NEEDS a dog and that he will pay for it. He called the vet and got an estimate on all of it's first shots and how much it will cost to neuter. He also searched the classifieds and found a purebred lab that he wanted for only $100. (he has around $550 in his savings from mowing/babysitting, etc.) So, DH and I discussed it and STITCH the yellow lab will be joining us in Nov. *sigh

Oh well, I will leave you with an old comeback that I once heard and I LOVE.

"You look like you have your hands full"

"Better full, than empty"

 

[LimeCordial]

Wow, what an ordeal. So glad she is getting better and that you have good care lined up. All the best to you and your little girl

 

[3Gsandme]

I obviously have something in my eyes. I'm so glad your sweet girl is doing so well. <3

 

[beachta1]

I just wanted to send well wishes to you and your family. I was reading through TR on my phone on Sunday night and couldn't put my phone down once I opened yours. All I can say is WOW. I'm so glad to hear that everyone is doing better and your daughter is such a trooper. I'm sorry that you didn't get the trip you hoped for but I'm glad you have a happy and healthy family.

 

[DopeyDonald]

Well today is kind of a milestone....

3 whole weeks since surgery (seems like it's been longer though) AND 1 month since this all began.....Right about NOW... lol 1 month ago I was calling housekeeping. It's absolutely crazy how time works. It seems like it was years ago that all of that happened and yet time flew by?!

Cassidy is doing wonderful. She's gained 4ish pounds since leaving the hospital. She's running around like absolutely nothing happened. The big test will be a week from today - she will have her MRI to tell us what's going on INSIDE that little belly of hers. I have high hopes, however. That's all I can have.

Emotions are starting to bubble to the surface now. It's really amazing how many emotions one person can have at once. Relief, fear, hope, joy, frustration, sadness, terror, and peace. ALL AT ONCE! lol This is what happens sometimes when I watch her sleep.

In other news, you may have noticed my ticker. Yay! I think. lol I'm still not sure how to feel. Part of me feels ridiculously selfish - like we don't deserve to go to Disney - we got our miracle - Cassidy is well. Part of me can't wait! Part of me is worried that it's the right thing to do financially - my eyes have been opened as to how quickly things can change. Part of me is worried what other people will think.

BUT. Bottom line is that we discussed it and it's really important to our family to finish our trip. Those 12 days we spend in September at Disney aren't just 12 days at some amusement park. Those days are the days where the 5 of us remember why we love each other so gosh darn much. (At home sometimes it's easier to forget) They are the days where we all smile till our face hurts and we put away our laptops and email. We eat too much ice cream and then eat some more. It's where we take all of the pictures that we will pull out someday and look at and be so glad we took them.

It's where Daddy takes his little girls out to dinner in a castle and where the boy and I go on dates and share a sundae and a movie on the beach. It's where the girls and I will have Afternoon Tea in our best clothes, while the boys eat chili dogs. It's where I don't have anything to do BUT listen and talk and enjoy. It's the place where I'm the mom I want to be all the time, but sometimes the stress of life gets in the way.

It's the place that we are a family the best.


So on January the 23rd (a little nervous - DH and I went January 2000 this same time and it was a ghost town, but I know that's not the case anymore) we will be heading down on our unused SW tickets and staying at the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. We've stayed there 1 night last trip and really liked it. We're going to Tea, getting silhouettes done, taking a MILLION pictures, having "make-up" birthday breakfast in the castle, and a lot of other amazing things.

So I leave you with my answer to all of the people that I am too afraid to tell that we are going back AGAIN. (and then again in September for our annual....lol)

Have I gone Mad?
I'm afraid so.
You're entirely bonkers.
But I'll tell you a secret....
All the best people are.

 

[DopeyDonald]

Wow, what an ordeal. So glad she is getting better and that you have good care lined up. All the best to you and your little girl

Thanks

I obviously have something in my eyes. I'm so glad your sweet girl is doing so well. <3

Thank You

I just wanted to send well wishes to you and your family. I was reading through TR on my phone on Sunday night and couldn't put my phone down once I opened yours. All I can say is WOW. I'm so glad to hear that everyone is doing better and your daughter is such a trooper. I'm sorry that you didn't get the trip you hoped for but I'm glad you have a happy and healthy family.

Thank you - we really are lucky and blessed.

 

[emmysmommy]

Congratulations on booking this trip to pick up where you left off. What an awesome way to celebrate not only Cassidy's recovery but the time with your family that you didn't get in September! I believe this "bounce back" trip will be medicine for your soul!!

Glad to see things are going so well.

Your son did a remarkable job making a case for a new member of the family. Congrats on your new puppy!

 

[BridgetR3]

I've followed your TR and I have to say, "GO!!! You must go to Disney and finish what you have started!! Who cares what other people say.....it's not their family or their finances so they have no say. Go and celebrate life!! Go and love on each other! GO and make memories!!"


From one Disney mom to another, you are making the right choice!

 

[sherylcin]

So excited for you and your family to be going back in January!! You've got events to finish and memories to make! All of us who "get" Disney are cheering you on!

Also, very happy to hear Cassidy is making great progress. Pray the MRI confirms everything is as it should be.

 

[Cobern]

So exciting you are going back! That is the same day we check in although where we are studying is still up in the air. Hope you guys have an amazing time

 

[dismom9761]

Congrats! Sounds like the best decision for your family.

 

[kimbo0569]

Don't think you are bonkers at all! Sometimes it takes a giant scare to put things in perspective and who cares what other people think. You all totally deserve a "do-over" trip! Go for it and ENJOY!!!!

 

[jennyjinx3]

BUT. Bottom line is that we discussed it and it's really important to our family to finish our trip. Those 12 days we spend in September at Disney aren't just 12 days at some amusement park. Those days are the days where the 5 of us remember why we love each other so gosh darn much. (At home sometimes it's easier to forget) They are the days where we all smile till our face hurts and we put away our laptops and email. We eat too much ice cream and then eat some more. It's where we take all of the pictures that we will pull out someday and look at and be so glad we took them.

It's where Daddy takes his little girls out to dinner in a castle and where the boy and I go on dates and share a sundae and a movie on the beach. It's where the girls and I will have Afternoon Tea in our best clothes, while the boys eat chili dogs. It's where I don't have anything to do BUT listen and talk and enjoy. It's the place where I'm the mom I want to be all the time, but sometimes the stress of life gets in the way.

It's the place that we are a family the best.
.

Oh boy you have summed it all up for us too. Thanks so much for putting that into words, I wish I could print this off and show everyone who ever asks me WHY DISNEY AGAIN??? The bolded made me cry.

So happy for you all that you get your much needed do-over.

 

[DopeyDonald]

Congratulations on booking this trip to pick up where you left off. What an awesome way to celebrate not only Cassidy's recovery but the time with your family that you didn't get in September! I believe this "bounce back" trip will be medicine for your soul!!

Glad to see things are going so well.

Your son did a remarkable job making a case for a new member of the family. Congrats on your new puppy!

Thanks for being my first reader and hanging in there to the end...lol We are finally excited. It's been exactly one month since we were thrown into this mess down in WDW and we are finally getting our bearings back.

I've followed your TR and I have to say, "GO!!! You must go to Disney and finish what you have started!! Who cares what other people say.....it's not their family or their finances so they have no say. Go and celebrate life!! Go and love on each other! GO and make memories!!"


From one Disney mom to another, you are making the right choice!

Thanks so much - it really means a lot to me that all of you think it's the right choice too. I'll admit I snuck up on this thread tonight to see what the thoughts were going to be. I figured if DISers say it's OK then it really will be - lol.

We're not telling anyone that we're going until it gets closer. Want to make sure Cassie's doing well and that the bills work out to what the initial insurance statements are saying. But as far as my ticker and ADR's are concerned - it's a done deal!

So excited for you and your family to be going back in January!! You've got events to finish and memories to make! All of us who "get" Disney are cheering you on!

Also, very happy to hear Cassidy is making great progress. Pray the MRI confirms everything is as it should be.

Thanks so much for the reassurance - I love people who "get" Disney!! Also thank you for the prayers. As the day draws near I find myself remembering that she has/had something fairly major and rare and will be very glad to get Tuesday over with and be armed with more information.

So exciting you are going back! That is the same day we check in although where we are studying is still up in the air. Hope you guys have an amazing time

Yay for the same Check-in Days! Have you been in January before? I'm really hoping the crowds are similar to September. But without the surface of the sun temperatures! lol Hope you have a GREAT TRIP also!!

Congrats! Sounds like the best decision for your family.

Thank You - we are very excited, but haven't been able to tell the kiddos yet - which has been SO hard!! Can't wait to tell them...

Don't think you are bonkers at all! Sometimes it takes a giant scare to put things in perspective and who cares what other people think. You all totally deserve a "do-over" trip! Go for it and ENJOY!!!!

Thanks so much! Things are definitely in perspective now and I DO have a feeling that we will do things a bit differently this trip (first off being get a family pic within minutes of arriving! lol) I think it will be appreciated like no other trip of ours ever has.....

 

[DopeyDonald]

Oh boy you have summed it all up for us too. Thanks so much for putting that into words, I wish I could print this off and show everyone who ever asks me WHY DISNEY AGAIN??? The bolded made me cry.

So happy for you all that you get your much needed do-over.

I know.... It really is magic isn't it. It's so sad to me that some people will never know... Of course they may have their own "Disney" too I suppose, (but I still think WDW is it for us! lol)

 

[DopeyDonald]

I ordered my photopass plus CD today. It was so bittersweet editing those pics. My Cassidy hardly made it into any. On the days she was there she wasn't feeling like pics (hindsight she probably just wasn't feeling well). And she was only there for 4 out of 11 days.

It was harder to look at the pics than I thought. Not that our trip was cut short (though that sucked too) but just looking at her in the pics was tough. I can't even explain it - It's almost that I was looking at her now knowing that that "thing" was there inside her.

But there were still some very good memories And I can't wait to get the CD.

You all can see the ride photos because I was able to download those right away....

Here are a few...

Ahhhhh, Dinosaur - By far Dinosaur must produce the best ride photos in the world - HANDS DOWN. They are always hilarious. Especially for our family. My son HATES that ride. But he always VOLUNTARILY goes on it once a trip just so we can have a photo - I promise I do not make him. He looks like this in EVERY SINGLE Dinosaur photo we have. He is always SO happy to be in that gift shop after the ride..... (I also love how you see my sweet Annie comforting little sister who thought she remembered liking the ride. She remembered wrong - lol)

Disney World - where else can you hurtle through Space dressed as a Pirate (and apparently be bored by it - lol)

Love this pic - shows my Dad who was being a party pooper and didn't plan on taking this trip, having the TIME of HIS LIFE - you can't fake that joy on his face!

Annie takes the BEST ride photos

Another great Annie one....lol

My son looks like Stretch Armstrong here...lol That boy is getting big.

I LOVE this pic of my mom and the kids - same thing as my dad's pic - I haven't seen her smile like that in a long time....SO happy.

Also this is the photo that amazes me the most - It is the best picture I think we have ever taken as a family - mostly because Cassidy is smiling (she HATES having her picture taken). What makes it kind of crazy is that it was taken at 1900 PF. Only about 3.5 hrs before she got sick.......You'd never know it from the picture....

 

[Cobern]

Yay for the same Check-in Days! Have you been in January before? I'm really hoping the crowds are similar to September. But without the surface of the sun temperatures! lol Hope you have a GREAT TRIP also!!

.....

We went many many years ago (like over 15) in January. I remember no waits for the big rides at mk (3 mountains).

I am used to these temperatures (live in south Florida). We are hoping for small crowds with a 3 year old and a 1 year old and a visually impaired mom