I witnessed something magical in Epcot last week

[TheWho]

Last week in Epcot, around 9:30pm, my kids grabbed a bench in China and wanted a pretzel from Germany. I thought it was a good reason for me to grab a beer. I went to the cart outside the Germany pavilion and there was a young German girl, all alone, working hard despite the humidity and rush before the fireworks. I noticed there was only one pretzel left but there were two people ahead of me. The first guy just brought only beer and I panicked the next guy would grab the last one (as if my kids really needed it but you know the frenzy you get into). This man was a tall African-American and only asked for an Octoberfest beer. I thought, oh good I’ll get the pretzel but let’s hurry up so I can get into my Illuminations spot. Then, I noticed next to him was a tall white plastic stick. The girl told him the cost and he waved the exact bills aimlessly into the air. I realized the man was blind. He was all alone. She poured the beer and placed it on the counter. He took his opened hand and placed it randomly on the cool counter. After a day of commando touring, grabbing fast passes and fighting crowds, I experienced the best attraction of all, human kindness. With a smile, one he couldn’t see but probably felt, I watched her white hand grab his black hand and together they grasped the cold beer. This young girl, probably more hot and exhausted than any of us, performed her job professionally and followed her heart. I’m still not totally sure why, but that image struck me. I then watched the man, with his walking stick in one hand and his beer in the other, walk away from me into the night tapping the ground while sipping his beer. I thought good for him and also good for her. I got my stuff quick and ran towards China with the flames blowing out and the Illuminations drums beginning. Despite all we did that day, I’ll always remember that moment.

 

[phorsenuf]

Last week in Epcot, around 9:30pm, my kids grabbed a bench in China and wanted a pretzel from Germany. I thought it was a good reason for me to grab a beer. I went to the cart outside the Germany pavilion and there was a young German girl, all alone, working hard despite the humidity and rush before the fireworks. I noticed there was only one pretzel left but there were two people ahead of me. The first guy just brought only beer and I panicked the next guy would grab the last one (as if my kids really needed it but you know the frenzy you get into). This man was a tall African-American and only asked for an Octoberfest beer. I thought, oh good I’ll get the pretzel but let’s hurry up so I can get into my Illuminations spot. Then, I noticed next to him was a tall white plastic stick. The girl told him the cost and he waved the exact bills aimlessly into the air. I realized the man was blind. He was all alone. She poured the beer and placed it on the counter. He took his opened hand and placed it randomly on the cool counter. After a day of commando touring, grabbing fast passes and fighting crowds, I experienced the best attraction of all, human kindness. With a smile, one he couldn’t see but probably felt, I watched her white hand grab his black hand and together they grasped the cold beer. This young girl, probably more hot and exhausted than any of us, performed her job professionally and followed her heart. I’m still not totally sure why, but that image struck me. I then watched the man, with his walking stick in one hand and his beer in the other, walk away from me into the night tapping the ground while sipping his beer. I thought good for him and also good for her. I got my stuff quick and ran towards China with the flames blowing out and the Illuminations drums beginning. Despite all we did that day, I’ll always remember that moment.

I know who you are talking about! I saw him and his companion, also blind, last weekend as well. I saw them at the Boardwalk and EPCOT and MK.

 

[adsrtw]

That's an awesome story! I have a friend who is blind and he can read emotions like no other.

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

You gave me goosebumps. Thanks for sharing.

 

[SamSam]

What a heartwarming story, thanks for sharing.

 

[Stitchmistress]

Brought tears to my eyes, thanks for the great story!

 

[TinkerbelleAbbysMom]

Very cool!