I would love some advice from my fellow DISers on the best way to handles this, please. Sorry this is kinda long, but I have to include the backstory for this request to make sense
. 
In recent years, my familys been through a few rough patches and lost several family members to cancer. Last year, my mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer, and I spent several long weeks away from my family to care for her. It was very hard on hubby and DD, but VERY worth it, of course. So, after things calmed down for all of us, we felt like we needed some family bonding time.
My clever daughter was ALL OVER that idea. She was turning 10 this year, and she asked if we could do a family Disney trip instead of a birthday party. Since it was her first double-digit birthday, and since I love an excuse to visit the mouse, her dad and I agreed.
Her birthday was on a Thursday, and we would fly out two days later for her fabulous birthday celebration. We were so excited. We got awesome ADRs, did the countdown chain, the Mickey Head calendar, Disney themed dinner/movie nights, we did it ALL! Fast forward to one week before her big day, when I began experiencing some stomach pain. At the doctors, a large mass was found, and I was told it was suspicious. Thanks to my family history, you can imagine how frightened hubby and I were. But the worst part was telling my daughter, that instead of a Disney trip for her birthday, mommy would be spending it in the hospital instead. She was heartbroken and asked if we could go the following week. I explained that I wouldnt be able to walk around Disney that soon after surgery. It tore my heart out to hear her say, But I would carry you, Mommy.
So, instead of our planned trip to Disney, where the characters could fuss over the birthday girl, she spent this time fussing over me, fluffing my pillows, bringing me water, and tucking me in. After the first tears, she never complained again. She just put on a brave face and took care of me throughout my recovery.
FINALLY, after all that blabbing, Ill get to the point!
We scheduled a make-up trip for October. Whenever I make ADRs, the cast member always what were celebrating, and I go through the whole, well nothing really, because it was a birthday trip, cancer, hysterectomy, blah blah
. And they say, she can still celebrate her birthday on this trip. But that kinda feels dishonest to me. I mean, yes, as a family, were calling it her make-up birthday trip, but it wouldnt seem right to have anyone sing happy birthday or fuss over her when it really isnt her birthday. But then again, it really takes too long to explain why were celebrating her birthday 5 months late. But sheesh, after what shes been through, the kid deserves to have someone make a fuss over her, too!
Any suggestions on the best way to handle it at Disney? Ive been referring to the trip as her belated birthday, you are my hero trip. I really want it to be special, but definitely wouldnt want to be dishonest about it being her birthday, either. Any ideas on how can I make it a great, UN-birthday celebration?
Thanks!
June
In recent years, my familys been through a few rough patches and lost several family members to cancer. Last year, my mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer, and I spent several long weeks away from my family to care for her. It was very hard on hubby and DD, but VERY worth it, of course. So, after things calmed down for all of us, we felt like we needed some family bonding time.
My clever daughter was ALL OVER that idea. She was turning 10 this year, and she asked if we could do a family Disney trip instead of a birthday party. Since it was her first double-digit birthday, and since I love an excuse to visit the mouse, her dad and I agreed.
Her birthday was on a Thursday, and we would fly out two days later for her fabulous birthday celebration. We were so excited. We got awesome ADRs, did the countdown chain, the Mickey Head calendar, Disney themed dinner/movie nights, we did it ALL! Fast forward to one week before her big day, when I began experiencing some stomach pain. At the doctors, a large mass was found, and I was told it was suspicious. Thanks to my family history, you can imagine how frightened hubby and I were. But the worst part was telling my daughter, that instead of a Disney trip for her birthday, mommy would be spending it in the hospital instead. She was heartbroken and asked if we could go the following week. I explained that I wouldnt be able to walk around Disney that soon after surgery. It tore my heart out to hear her say, But I would carry you, Mommy.
So, instead of our planned trip to Disney, where the characters could fuss over the birthday girl, she spent this time fussing over me, fluffing my pillows, bringing me water, and tucking me in. After the first tears, she never complained again. She just put on a brave face and took care of me throughout my recovery.
FINALLY, after all that blabbing, Ill get to the point!
We scheduled a make-up trip for October. Whenever I make ADRs, the cast member always what were celebrating, and I go through the whole, well nothing really, because it was a birthday trip, cancer, hysterectomy, blah blah
. And they say, she can still celebrate her birthday on this trip. But that kinda feels dishonest to me. I mean, yes, as a family, were calling it her make-up birthday trip, but it wouldnt seem right to have anyone sing happy birthday or fuss over her when it really isnt her birthday. But then again, it really takes too long to explain why were celebrating her birthday 5 months late. But sheesh, after what shes been through, the kid deserves to have someone make a fuss over her, too! Any suggestions on the best way to handle it at Disney? Ive been referring to the trip as her belated birthday, you are my hero trip. I really want it to be special, but definitely wouldnt want to be dishonest about it being her birthday, either. Any ideas on how can I make it a great, UN-birthday celebration?
Thanks!
June
to you for all you've been through.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating her bday while there! Not 1 thing. I would do it and who cares why it's late, she's a special girl who deserves her special trip. 
