Memorial Trip for Daddy

[TxKitten]

Hello everyone!!
I am so excited to be back on the board for another Disney trip!

The last one I did was back in October of '09 with my parents. Both my Mom & Daddy and I all got to go together to DisneyWORLD for 6 whole days and had an absolute blast!!

Saddly, about 8 months, or so, later, Daddy was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and it took him within 9 months after that. Tragically, we did not get to go, as planned, one last time to Disneyland with him & Momma and my long time boyfriend, Julian. The disease incapacitated him far too quickly. He passed away in March of last year.

So now, with heavy hearts, we have decided to go in honor of Daddy on his birthday (May 10) to celebrate his memory (Disneyland was his FAVORITE place in the whole world!) While it will be a happy trip...it will be frought with emotion for all of us. Don't quite know how it's going to go, honestly.

Julian, my man, has never been -- and I haven't been to DisneyLAND since '1997. EEK! But growing up I went probably about 15 times or so...Daddy turned it into one of my favorite places too.

Any tips on how to get through this trip in a more joyous tone, and make sure Julian gets the best introduction to all that the Magic Kingdom can offer? I really want this trip to be special for Momma and him. Thanks for any tips/hints/encouragement anyone can offer. I know all the members on these boards are fantastic and always have great ideas! Can't wait to hear from ya'll!

Take care and thanks for listening!
Sincerely,
Brenda Laird
Houston Texas

 

[Dizzy4DL]

Bless your heart. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad.

Perhaps you could make reservations on his birthday for the Blue Bayou? And raise a glass in his honor.

Ride the train all around the park without getting off, a classic ride in honor of your dad and a great way to introduce the park to your special guy.

I hope you have a wonderful trip, what a perfect way to honor your father.

 

[suzyqsam]

I am so sorry for your loss. We did the same for my mom, except it was in Disney World. Since we had extened family joining us, we had rented & catered a room for dinner one evening. We wanted to be able to spend quality time with our extended family and be able to move around and talk. We also played a video that my sister made of a lot of family photos. It was a little difficult but also felt right being in WDW, our Mom's favorite place. For the rest of our time, we put our energy into it being my boys first time to Disney. We did what we would have done at any other time at Disney. Yes, there were times when we felt sad, but there is something that is also so calming and happy being in Disney. I would do what you normally would do when visiting Disneyland. When you feel sad, allow yourself to go through the emotions and then go do something fun. Maybe you can have one dinner out in honor of your dad and then the rest of the time, make it about the three of you. Again, I am sorry for your loss and I hope you are able to enjoy!

 

[TxKitten]

Just wanted to shout out to you guys. Great words of encouragement...I thank you.

Actually I had already planned on lunch at the Blue Bayou...one of my Mom and Daddy's favorite. Monte Cristo sandwhich, here I come!!! You have no idea how much I am looking forward to THAT! When I went in 97, Pirates, and subsequently Blue Bayou, was closed for refurbishing or whatever, so it's been more than 20 years since I've had one. *drool*

I had also planned on the Railroad trip around the park, but have already had my bubble burst on that one. *pout* It is apparently closed for refurbishment during our stay (May 9-10) *UGH!* So is Splash Mountain -- and I even read somewhere that Matterhorn may be closed at that time too. *ACK!* I can't even begin to tell you how dissapointed I am about all three...but I will hope the Matterhorn is incorrect, and just have to deal with no railroad trip, or splash mountain. *sigh*

Anyway, I now we will have a great time, and the sad parts as you say will still be "joyful" as long as we keep Daddy in our hearts. ESPECIALLY during Peter Pan...his all time favorite! Tink & Peter were his favorite characters.

Again thank you both for your kind words and I wish you guys many blessings.

Take care and talk to you soon!!

Sincerely,
Brenda L.

 

[Susie63]

You could have some nice pins made with a picture of your dad.(maybe one with Mickey ears on or a fav of him in the parks)You and your mom could each wear one and you would still have your dad in the park with you. Wear his fav ear hats and remember every fun moment you shared together!