Real Disney Magic

[cm4lfie]

Hey All,

I just felt compelled to share my story. I'm not much of a poster but still... my wife and I recently separated after close to 12 years. We have a 7 year old son and aside from feeling the crushing weight of what felt like the world caving in on me, my son was having a very difficult time with it, bursting into tears randomly, incredibly angry at my wife... sorry, ex wife, since she was the one who "pulled the trigger" and I was worried everyone was just going to break down completely. I decided my son and I needed a break from reality and within 2 weeks we were on our way for our first ever father son (alone) trip. Been to Disney countless times but never with just my son.

Anyway, I don't know whether it was the familiarity or the whole vibe but during our last minute week long Disney World trip, we didn't spend a minute thinking about the drama back home. He started acting like his happy go lucky self again and by the time I got back I felt more relaxed and even stronger then ever, ready to take on the horrible steps divorce entails.

Just for clarification, when we got back so chilled, it actually calmed my ex down and we are on very good terms. It's over but we interact a lot more specifically so my son see's that we still love each other, just in a different way.

So to all those who do not believe in Disney "magic", I'm here to tell you that at my very worst moment, Disney pulled me and my son up when I didn't believe it would be possible.

 

[kaligal]

We happened to have a personal tragedy that happened just before a trip. I didn't even want to go, but thought it might be good for them and canceling seemed like more personal punishment.

It was a wonderful way to cheer up. Hard to cry when you're going downhill on a rollercoaster.

Sorry about your divorce. I'd say, "time heals all wounds," but nobody wants to hear that when they're suffering. I'll just say that really sucks. And good for you, making sure your son has family harmony. I just hate it when people put children in the middle of all that crap. The ex-spouse may well deserve it, but the kid doesn't.

Congrats on behaving like a grow-up with class.

 

[cm4lfie]

Thank you Kali,

I don't see any other way to handle it. My son is now EVERYTHING to me and I need him to have as easy a transition as possible. It does not matter how I may secretly feel, his perception comes first and always will. What really sucks is I am close with a big time Disney exec who offered me a potential job working for the world but do to the divorce, I can't move. At least not for the next 11 years or I risk loosing my boy.

I was just amazed at how positively Disney effected me. My son is 7, this was his 6th trip, I could not even tell you how many times I have been and going to the World is not as thrilling as it used to be, has not been in a long time. Not to say I don't love t, just did not expect it to have such a positive effect on me this time. Not under the current circumstances, especially since I have so many memories of being there with my ex. We went for our Honeymoon and lord only knows how many times since.

I'm just amazed and in awe once again. Nothing has really changed in the parks since I was there a year ago but the calming effect.... magical.

 

[Disney Enabler]

Life throws many curve balls at all of us. How we deal with them is when we demonstrate to our children lessons of how to deal with life. It sounds like you are putting your son above your own emotions - what a wonderful father you are being. I hope you find many magical "calming" places in your life for you and your son. Enjoy your son - takes lots of father-son pictures and start filling your life's treasure chest with incredible moments.

Carol
It's a great day to be alive!!!

 

[kaligal]

Thank you Kali,

I don't see any other way to handle it. My son is now EVERYTHING to me and I need him to have as easy a transition as possible. It does not matter how I may secretly feel, his perception comes first and always will. What really sucks is I am close with a big time Disney exec who offered me a potential job working for the world but do to the divorce, I can't move. At least not for the next 11 years or I risk loosing my boy.

I was just amazed at how positively Disney effected me. My son is 7, this was his 6th trip, I could not even tell you how many times I have been and going to the World is not as thrilling as it used to be, has not been in a long time. Not to say I don't love t, just did not expect it to have such a positive effect on me this time. Not under the current circumstances, especially since I have so many memories of being there with my ex. We went for our Honeymoon and lord only knows how many times since.

I'm just amazed and in awe once again. Nothing has really changed in the parks since I was there a year ago but the calming effect.... magical.

I have very good friend who couldn't move due to custodial issues. Her daughter is 17 years and 8 months old. She has started packing already, lol.

I'm sorry your life has taken such a crappy turn...and losing out on a cool job, too. Salt in the wound.

I hope that something good happens to you. Something REALLY good.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Thank you for sharing your story here. I am so glad that you had some pixie dust settle the waves. I hope to see you on here more.

 

[Euphscott]

What really sucks is I am close with a big time Disney exec who offered me a potential job working for the world but do to the divorce, I can't move. At least not for the next 11 years or I risk loosing my boy.

Care to refer me in your stead?

I've been through divorce as well. For me - I have a daughter. It's not easy, but you (and your child) will adjust. Good luck and keep building those moments with your boy.