Having a good time at DLR when you are sad?

[Gisele]

Yes. November, 2009 we went for my birthday. Earlier that year, my mom passed. That was the first birthday my mom didn't wish me a happy birthday. I only cried once at Disneyland. It was in the line for Mr Toad's Wild Ride. It was at the time of day my mom would call me, wish me a happy birthday and tell me how much she loved me. I turned 48 then and let me tell you, if I was anywhere else that day, I would have been a real mess at home.It such a great loss, a loneliness I can't put into words for three years before the intense grief softened. Disneyland was a great distraction for me on my first birthday without my mom. I know that sounds childish, but so what, I love and miss my mom terribly.

Go and have fun. It is okay to miss your furry baby and being at Disneyland is the best place to be when you are feeling so sad. ((big hugs))

In my opinion, you are not sounding childish at all. Grief, sorrow, remorse, feeling abandoned and or lonely by the death of a loved one, no matter how old you are, you are still the little brother, sister, bff, parent's child. One has a right to feel however they might. Everyone may grieve in different ways. I sometimes do goofy things, but hey, it's my way, like that classic Sinatra song goes.

 

[offwithyourhead]

I was severely depressed during my last trip due to a lot of bad stuff going on that I could do nothing about. I almost cancelled because it was so bad, but I found the best way to immerse myself completely in the park. Get in the "zone" and just absorb all of it. Look for hidden mickeys, admire the architecture, swap disney trivia with other guests. Keep immersed up to your eyeballs in the Disney spirit and you'll find it easier to at least temporarily forget what's going on in the 'real world'.

 

[coaches24]

I went with DD two years ago for one day about 6 weeks after her mom had decided to end our marriage out of the blue. DD was 4 and very confused about what was going on and I was devastated by what was happening so we took a trip to visit gramma (my mom) in AZ and stopped at DL for a day on the way home. It was a great day in a year of which I had very little. I know I needed that day badly and I think it was good for her as well.

 

[my*gracie*girl]

Dh and I went to Disneyland for Christmas years ago as a way to 'escape'. Our first baby was stillborn at term and it was the first Christmas without the baby we had imagined celebrating it with. Also, my sister in law had just had a baby and I knew I couldn't handle the family gatherings and celebrating their baby's first Christmas. It was a dark time for us, but being in Disneyland was perfect. There is something to be said for the 'suspended reality' of Disneyland. Hugs to you on your loss and I hope your trip is exactly what you need!

 

[Comicbookmommy]

My mother commit suicide when I was 19 (So 13 years ago) and Disneyland was one of her favorite places. It was obviously devastating to be alone while becoming an adult, and I ended up becoming pregnant with my first son a mere 3 months after her death. It became a goal and dream of mine to take my children to Disneyland. It seemed so far off because I was incredibly poor. But I remembered my mother persevering for her dreams and so I did the same, and started on the road to become a successful artist. Soon that trip was a possibility, and when my son was 5 we got to go to Disneyland, and I got to relive so many moments I remember having with my mother. I feel closest to her there. It's bittersweet, but always wonderful to give my 3 sons the same memories that she gave me

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I'm so sorry to hear about the losses that many have suffered on this thread. Death is a part of life. But when the time is right, there are moments of comfort in special places to comfort us as we grieve those losses. 3 years ago my parents had to put their 17 year old dog down. They got him while I was serving a mission for the LDS Church and after I had left for college. All of my siblings were still at home when they got him. Notoriously distrustful of strangers, that dog did not like me when I came home the first time and acted like I lived in the place. But over the years, he grew accustomed to me and eventually would sit on my luggage to prevent me from packing up suitcase before heading back to school. In time, that dog and I had a friendship which only deepened as I dogsat him over the years when my parents were on vacation. We understood each other. I have a mild allergy to dogs. He understood that while I could not take him snuggled up right next to me, he was more than welcome to lay at my feet as long as he wanted to and that I would never "demand" that he cuddle with me when he really just wanted to lay down.

Well about 2 weeks after my parents had to put him down, I made my annual Christmas visit to Disneyland. While there I decided to get a picture with Pluto, who I get a picture with maybe once a year. Before I could even say anything to Pluto, he gave me a big hug. To put this in perspective, I'm a single man. My Disneyland visits are usually solo. When I see characters, I will only give them a hug if they initiate it and even then it's usually only Minnie Mouse or the chipmunks who already know they're among my very favorites. For Pluto to hug me was very much out of the ordinary. And yet it was perfect at that time.

I look at that experience as my parents dog telling me that he was very happy in Heaven and that I didn't need to worry about him anymore as we will all see him again. We should always missed our loved ones, both family, friends, and animals. Over time that loss may sting less, but in time we will also see them again. And they will know who we are.

 

[azdisneylover]

n my opinion, you are not sounding childish at all. Grief, sorrow, remorse, feeling abandoned and or lonely by the death of a loved one, no matter how old you are, you are still the little brother, sister, bff, parent's child. One has a right to feel however they might. Everyone may grieve in different ways. I sometimes do goofy things, but hey, it's my way, like that classic Sinatra song goes.

Thanks, Gisele,

Every Thursday afternoon is hard for me. I would call my mom every Thursday and talk with her for a minimum of 2 hours about any and everything. I so miss those talks. Nothing can replace that special time.

Linda
PS My dad had beautiful blue eyes just like "The Chairman of the Board".

 

[wenderwoman]

I think a fun Disney trip could be a good, soothing experience for you! I'm so sorry for your sad loss. Losing those we love is so hard! It may be a bittersweet trip, but if we are gonna cry......I think we should cry at Disneyland! That's what I told my kids a few years ago.
My last trip was in 2012 just 5 months after my husband died of cancer. My sweet young children and I needed a respite from grief! We had a lovely trip! Did I cry in Disneyland? You betcha! But still a great, comforting and much needed vacation!
Now I am coming back to the disboards after not posting for years (cant even remember my old login)to plan a happy trip with my new husband and our beautiful and crazy blended family!
I wish you comfort and a great trip!

 

[azdisneylover]

Wenderwoman,

(((big hugs for your loss))) and congratulations on you and your children finding love again. Disneyland is a special place. Wishing you and yours a wonderful time!