Once Upon a Time, I made an “imaginary” friend. That’s what our internet Disney friends call each other.
Not invisible. I could see her. You could too. You couldn’t miss her. Her beautiful smile is always on her face and lights up the room.
Our friendship started on a Disney discussion board, with two pivotal leaps of faith and trust.
In 2009, I asked complete strangers for pictures of their families at Disney World so I could make a photo album to give to Teena the Greeter at the Beach Club. I promised I wasn’t a stalker. I was amazed at the number of people who actually provided photos to me.
Rebecca replied:
I would be interested. I recently started a new job that is keeping me very busy in addition to keeping up with my home and family. I would like to get some old pictures scanned as we have been going to the beach club since January 2001. I think it would be fun to give Teena a couple of pics of my boys "growing up" at the BC, just need to find the time.
She didn’t get me a photo right away, but she did fulfill the promise 5 years later, when we were at the Beach Club together, during a late night girlfriend giggle fest. She gave me one of her favorite pictures of her two boys at the Yacht Club marina.
For the past few years, there has been a meeting of friends at the Beach Club. I was not able to go to the first few meets, but I attended virtually, in a photo poster, like Flat Stanley.
In April 2014, before we had met in person, Rebecca extended an invitation to join her during a mother-daughter trip.
I am really hoping to go down in August with my mom for a few days and catch the Dis meet! I am totally serious. I know you don't know me, but if you are interested and would be comfortable you could stay with me and my mom. Hope you don't think I am crazy for asking you. Would be great to meet you.
I accepted and I loved telling everyone
“I’m going to Disney to stay with a woman from the internet I haven’t met!”
We forged a great friendship over Sunken Treasures, fireworks and late night chats.
My favorite Disney moment of all time (not exactly a memory…) followed by the worst moment, was during another trip with Rebecca and other friends for another meet, all within a 6-hour timespan.
I was under the influence of a very strong sleep aid and fell asleep sitting up, holding my phone, thumb extended. What resulted was a series of photos taken while the girls dressed me up in outrageous props while I continued to sleep. I’m not sure exactly what role Rebecca played in these antics, but I do know my kind friend convinced our ringleader not to use permanent marker on me. For that I am indelibly grateful.
In the past few months we have been texting frequently, talking about our day, sending pictures, exchanging encouragement and love. Many nights we would text a good night/sweet dreams message… as we were both readying for bed at 7:30!
Her messages always contained a library of friendly, happy, inspirational emojis. Hearts, prayer hands, swimming fish, flowers, thumbs up, kisses. At Easter, she brought a smile to my face when I was driving and the Bluetooth voice in my car read her message to me, complete with the translation of emojis
“Happy Easter. We went to my parents for brunch. Hatching chick, hatching chick, hatching chick, hatching chick, hatching chick”.
Rebecca loves Disney. She loves her friends with all her heart. Her family means the world to her. She cherishes her parents- I was touched when she told me that she needed to make sure she went to Hollywood Studios with her mom for her mom’s favorite ride. Tower of Terror, I think.
She is incredibly proud of her sons: smart, hardworking and kind, just like her.
Her husband is her love and her rock.
This story does not have a Happily Ever After. There are no answers. Even Cortana can’t help with this one. I am so blessed that Rebecca has been part of my life and I am heartbroken that it was for such a short time.
