Can't Get Excited

[usschmidt]

We're leaving in 2 days for our make-up trip. We were originally planning on a Labor Day weekend trip, but had to cancel after only being in LA 4 hrs. I just can't get motivated to get things done and to be excited. Will someone help me out?

TBH I think it's all finally starting to sink in ... my dad died while we were on our last trip and I had to leave to tend to him.

 

[davidsprincess]

I am so sorry for your loss. Take this time to spend with your family. I am sure emotionally you are exhausted. Think of your DD's faces and how happy they will be. Enjoy your time together and this little break that you will have from day-to-day challanges. I know that it will be hard, but try not to think about the fact that you had to leave last time you tried to take this trip. Was your dad happy about your going to DLR? Focus on the that if you need to. Look through your girls' eyes while at DLR. And again,
Go and make some happy memories. You deserve it!

 

[usschmidt]

Thanks, you're absolutely right! The girls' joy will more than make up for it

 

[pixiewings71]

Just see it thru your girls' eyes. Trust me, this visit will be full of magic.

I'm sorry for your loss (((HUGS)))

 

[JadeDarkstar]

*hug* oh im so sorry for you. hay try to think of how much fun and joy your kids will have. are you guys planing any charcter meals? going to see any special shows?

 

[usschmidt]

We were going to see Aladdin and Fantasmic...but now we're booked at Goofy's and BB. We're also going to take a trip to BABW and I think I may need to get my own bear

ETA: Thanks again for all your support. I know I'm not a big poster here but you all have become my friends. I appreciate it!

 

[pixiewings71]

We were going to see Aladdin and Fantasmic...but now we're booked at Goofy's and BB. We're also going to take a trip to BABW and I think I may need to get my own bear

ETA: Thanks again for all your support. I know I'm not a big poster here but you all have become my friends. I appreciate it!

Definitely get your own bear. A bear to help you remember your Dad, I think that's great! You will have fun at your meals too, especially BB, have a cookie boat for dessert!!

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm so sorry. In October of '06, while we were in San Diego just after a one day trip up to Disneyland, my hubby was called home to help his mom with his dad. Just after Thanksgiving, his dad died, and it was *hard* for my hubby to go back down last September. He could not go to Seaworld, as the plans for SW were high in our heads when he was called away. DS and I stayed (having a 2 year old at a hospital doesn't help anyone in crisis mode, so there was no point for me and DS to go back home, and we stayed with my brother and SIL for the rest of our vacation time) and we did go to SeaWorld. It took hubby until May of '08 to work up the nerve and quell the nervousness (that his mom would call in need of help for herself) enough to go to SW with us.

So he would definitely feel for you, especially going back so soon.

It's possible you won't be able to get excited, as hubby couldn't for Seaworld, but he did have a nice time while there, and I hope you can have a nice time too.

 

[Corpsebride]

Yep, Disneyland is a great healer of wounds. This trip will do you good. My very best friend of 15 years was a HUGE fan of Nightmare Before Christmas. After he died in 2005 , the thought of the NBC overlay sounded unbearable but surprisingly it was the best thing for me. Now I watch the movie and it makes me think of him and miss him less. One weird thing is that when I walked through the turnstiles of the train in NOS, I never noticed but the name is Perey, that just happens to be the name of my friend. It was an unexpected great comfort.
When you are there I hope you do and buy what ever your heart wants to make you feel a little bit better.
Big hugs!

 

[avalon451]

I'm so sorry about your dad. That must have been a very difficult time for you.

I can see how it will be hard for you yourself to get excited beforehand, but it will be so fun to see your kids' excitement. I sure hope you get there, relax, and start to really enjoy yourself! Please be sure and take a little time for yourself while you're there; maybe you can spend a few minutes relaxing and people-watching with your favorite beverage (dole whip float?) while DH takes the kids on couple of rides. I'm guessing, as the mom, you have been really holding it together for the family's sake and could use some "me" time!

Hope your trip turns out to be a wonderful experience!

 

[SarahDISer]

I just want to echo what everyone else has said and let you know that you and your family are in my prayers.
As you walk through those gates I am sure that you will be picked up and carried along by that Disney magic.

 

[auntyjenn]

Last night we watched some youtube videos of Disneyland Rides with the kids and it sure got us excited!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I'm a big believer that nothing heals a wound better than mustering up all of your gumption and going back to the scene of the heartache. By having a new/good experience, it replaces the pain of the old memory. You will get through it, because we know we have.

I have had to deal with this in relation to DLR a couple times, including very recently. One of our situations was somewhat similar to yours - my husband's mother died the day before our December 2001 wedding at the GCH.

We got a call saying my husband's mother died that morning. Needless to say, no one could fly there, so we had the stress of arranging assistance from local relatives that couldn't come here to CA for the wedding. Instead of a honeymoon, my husband left to help with the funeral - on Christmas Day, too. Since his mom was terminal with breast cancer, it wasn't completely a shock. We had already travelled back to say our goodbyes. Therefore, we just had to push on and celebrate on her behalf. The minister even took the time to write a touching speech to honor her in our ceremony. I still have that candle, too. Like I said, I still remember it, but the pain of the time has definitely faded with all of the good memories we have built at that hotel.

Perhaps also buying a candle with a fragrance that reminds you of him at the Illuminations store and lighting it for your father might help, as well!

 

[fairykin]

Poor Baby...*hugs*... i can't imagine your loss.. in fact my heart breaks for you.

Susan.. Your Father would want you to make special memories with your children..so please when you feel sad..have that base for your focal point.

Give and get lots of hugs and hang in there... know that others are thinking of you.

 

[usschmidt]

OMG I'm so touched that words escape me...something my dh says never happens lol. You all have really helped me and I really appreciate it.

Last year I cried a little every once in a while because I was sad my mom never got see my girls and she would have loved taking them to DLR. This year I'll cry for my dad and it will be okay. Tears are cleansing and my girls will not think twice about it ... it's just what mommy does at DLR lol.

I'll be sure to give a trip report when I get home

 

[azdisneylover]

(((Susan)))
Losing a parent is hard. With time, the unbearable pain will be pushed aside by warm and wonderful memories of your dad. At the happiest place on earth, dance when your children are dancing, act goofy, eat ice cream for breakfast, and get on some of those good rides you can really scream on to let out a good scream. (((big hugs)))
Maybe you can wear a lime green Mickey and get support from some of the people here that will be at the park the same time. How about buying a Mickey balloon, saying a few words about your dad, and release it?

 

[JadeDarkstar]

*hugs*
hay im gona make doggy or the cat they have for halloween

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Last year I cried a little every once in a while because I was sad my mom never got see my girls and she would have loved taking them to DLR. This year I'll cry for my dad and it will be okay. Tears are cleansing and my girls will not think twice about it ... it's just what mommy does at DLR lol.

I understand completely where you are coming from. The only grandparent my girls have left is my mom, and she is in a nursing home in another state, due to a mentally and physically debilitating stroke she had 12 years ago. (I had to move for my marriage, so we only get to see her once a year, at best.)

We keep a lot of photos of our parents on the wall, and talk about them with the girls, but my heart breaks when I think of all the things I did with my grandparents and knowing they will never have that.

I, like you, have become increasingly sappy as I have gotten older and really cherish all of my memories.

Make sure to have fun!!!!!

 

[swimrsal]

***Hugs*** Susan!
It's Sally.

I was so sad when I heard about your Dad and I want you to know I've been thinking of you.

You will have a fabulous trip with the girls... just watch the smile on their faces as you spend your days there.

I can't wait to read your trip report when you get back and you better post photos this time!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I went through something similar a few years ago. We had planned our first ever trip to DL for April '06, and I found the DIS about 5 months before that. I went insane researching and planning every little detail of our trip, and felt things were pretty well in order. We were so excited!

Then two days before we were to leave, DH wound up in the hospital with chest pains. He was 36yo, and we had two young children. Fortunately for us he survived, but of course was in no condition to go to DL upon release. We were able to reschedule for September '06, but I just couldn't get back into planning mode, nor was I excited to go.

I got a little excited a few days before the trip, but honestly once we were there, that's when I relaxed and let go of my anxiety. That's when I appreciated the magic and wonder. What a wonderful place it is.