The Berg-Berts do WDW, Part 30 – Closing Thoughts

[latoberg]

Thank you all for the great comments and all the support in the process of writing. It has been a great reminder of the wonder of this trip.

For us, this trip has been a blessing in so many ways. The boys are now completely Disneyfied. They are full on playing Pirates or Pan or Sleeping Beauty.

I am excited about the trip in 1 1/2 weeks, but completely overwhelmed at the same time. What to do all by my lonesome? Suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

We are also planning our next Disney adventure - Disneyland Resort in Fall '07.

There is one picture that I just finished playing around with that Lisa wanted me to share. This is from the Halloween party. And it is #1S playing at the Sword in the Stone.

 

[drebert]

What a handsome son you have. He must take after his mom!


Anybody up for a Disneyland meet in October 07?

 

[NAB]

Cool pic. Lacto. Only seen that done at a photo studio. You are talented.

Yes Dre. he looks like you. Very cute......

 

[eeyore45]

But it was a trip filled with grace. Unmerited favor. Good result without doing something to earn it.

I saw that grace in the eyes of my boys when they met their heroes (even if the hero is a villain). Or listening to them ask one another, “What was your favorite thing?” I experienced that grace when, even at the depth of exhaustion and illness, Lisa and I were not short or rude to one another or the boys. That grace softened some of the hard shell that I project to protect me from getting too close to people. And that shell that protects people from the full jerk I can be.

This was a trip that transformed me. In a little way. I’m different after this trip. I laugh more these days. I haven’t laughed this much in a long time. I feel the importance of having friends and colleagues. I don’t feel that efforts are always futile but that some bear wonderful fruit.

I don’t believe Walt Disney World to be holy ground. It isn’t even sacred ground. And there is a difference folks. But I believe that sometimes the most simple things, the things that can be taken for granted, can be windows to transforming moments. Maybe this trip was just the chance to break out of the rut that I was in. Maybe it was the offering of a new wind in my sails to get me moving again. Maybe it was the magic that I needed.

Some find that magic in the deer woods or on a crystal lake fishing. Some find it in the mountains and deserts (one s). Some find it among family and friends. Some find it in solitude. For me, that magic was in the midst of thousands of people, yet with only my family. It was in the restful exhaustion of full days of walking. It was in that place that came into being because one man had a vision. And even though he was lying, dying in a hospital bed on the west coast, he could see that place in his minds’ eye. Just as one man, who died on a cross 2,000 years ago, saw my need for grace this one particular week and made it real.

Peace.

...and also with you!!

I was going to add a few thoughts, but truly, I think that just says it all... and then some...

 

[HLDisney]

Great trip report! Makes me even more excited (if possible) about our WDW trip in a few weeks.....

Can't imagine my pastor (United Methodist, also) dressed up as Captain Hook, though

HLDisney

 

[latoberg]

Great trip report! Makes me even more excited (if possible) about our WDW trip in a few weeks.....

Can't imagine my pastor (United Methodist, also) dressed up as Captain Hook, though

HLDisney

You obviously missed my gunslinger pictures!

Thanks for dropping by and reading, though.

It appears that it will be required that Captain Hook make a limited appearance this evening as the driver for candy grabbing goodness.

 

[drebert]

You obviously missed my gunslinger pictures!

Thanks for dropping by and reading, though.

It appears that it will be required that Captain Hook make a limited appearance this evening as the driver for candy grabbing goodness.

Yes, it was asked that Captain Hook make an appearance but sadly, "someone" was a scrooge and didn't do it!
We did have a miniature Hook with us though and he looked good!