This photo was taken at a show called "Phantasmic" or maybe it is "Fantasmic"; anyway, it takes place at MGM and is a really entertaining show with something for every age. There is a mountainous area with a stage in front, and they have a running theme with Pocahontas and John Smith, Mickey Mouse and a lot of the other characters all mixed in together, plus a dragon.
At the end, there are fireworks and a water show like the one at Bellagio in Vegas, although not as large.
During the last day we were there, we rented a motorized cart so I wouldn't have to walk as much as I did on the first day (9am to 6pm). Any person in a wheel chair or motorized cart gets seated first at most shows, and all the people in your party are seated with you as well. There are definite perks to that! At this show, we were seated at the top rear of the amphitheatre. Right next to me there was a boy of around 12 in a wheel chair, accompanied by his parents. The boy obviously had cerebral palsy, or something similar. He could barely do more than smile and drool, and I watched his father wipe his chin so sweetly and smile back. He would prompt the boy to look at something on the stage, all with the most obvious love and devotion. Most people would say that the boy was very unlucky to have that affliction, but I saw something different. I saw the level of love that the father had for the boy, and how much he wanted the boy to see and enjoy the show. I thought to myself how very lucky the boy was to have his dad and how lucky they were to have each other. I believe that when a child is born handicapped (or I think it is now called "differently-abled") that there are karmic lessons to be learned by the family and that this child and his presence within the family affords them the opportunities to learn the lessons they need. It appeared to me that they have all done well. I learned a lesson too, that day.
27 comments:
that's a nice telling of the story of the boy in a wheel chair! Thanks.
WONDERFUL post Judy! It is inspiring to see this kind of devotion and love, isn't it? And, btw, it looks like I skipped you over at Michele, but it's because we both posted almost at the same time....Always a pleasure to visit you dear Judy. I've enjoyed all these Disney posts very much. I've never been down there and this was a way for me to get a real glimpse of something I will probably never get to see any other way. Thank You so very much for this...
Michele sent me to your fresh, crisp, brand new post, Judy. Cheers!
From what I can see in that picture, Judy, it must have been quite a show. The water fountains look HUGE but I've never been to The Bellagio so I can't compare to the water show they put on there. Was that the one they featured in Oceans 11? Or maybe it was the sequel...
That is a great show. And a nice story. Michele sent me this time.
Kenju,
Your sensitive and positive attention to the child and his father demonstrates your deep humanity--apparent to us in so much of what you share.
I agree that this child has a purpose that may outweigh anything he might accomplish as a "normal" person.
He is uniquely able to provide those around him with the opportunity to give. By doing so they will be tested and grow in ways never imagined. Both parent and child will be richer in the opportunity for self realization and real joy.
I realize not everyone will agree with this interpretation but for me it's true. The more I have had to give the more I have grown. It's the giving, not the receiving that makes me happy and helps me move ahead.
Thanks for your usual insight, Judy.
lucyd
What a beautiful post. You wrote with compassion, love, and understanding. I wish that young man's father could read your words. They would mean so much to him. I know they meant a lot to me.
Very nice. Hi there from Michele's! Hope you have a good weekend.
Michele sent me back again, dear Judy...
I'm hungry for some Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes from that Restaurant you posted about...YUM!
This post that I'm commenting on now, is so very poignant and touching...I would love to know how much this dear little boy was able to 'get' from this..I mean understand and enjoy...could you tell? Something like this makes one stop and think doesn't it, how would you, (I) handle this situation....
Here from Michele this time. Some might not think the child had any business being there, but you don't know what his mind could take in and enjoy. What a lovely family memory they could build.
Where was the Rockin' Roller Coaster, which park? I don't remember that one.
We posted at the same time again, Judy! LOL!
The last time I was there they were just building the ride with the elevator falling at MGM. Did any of your crew ride that?
Here from Michele again.
..... I'm Baaaaacccckkk......!!
Looking forward to Meet n' Greet this weekend to play catchup, and I have a post to be read.....
Hiya Judy! doug.
oh yeah and I got married last saturday......
Morning Judy...I slept for a few hours and now I'm up for a bit, but will go back to sleep...Went by to see what was happening at Michele's, and there you are!
Still love this post, my dear.
A wonderful post! I love your view on things b/c that is exactly as the situation should have been viewed. Kudos to you for seeing the situation as you did when so many others would have seen it as a pity, etc.
Hi from Michele.
Such a poignant post, Judy. It's these little things in life that grab our attention and touch us in profound ways....when we're paying attention to what we're surrounded by. It's obvious that you pay attention.
That reminds me of a laser-light show we went to one time, the lights and the music was timed very good.... but I know Disney's technicians would do a better job.
Your vision is remarkable. That you were able to see through the obvious stereotypes that society typically attaches to one who has a certain affliction or disease says much about who you are.
I now have a snapshot of pure love and appreciation of life embedded squarely in my mind, thanks to you.
Great post! Lovely photo of the water show too.
The lazer show is similar to one I saw on the water here in Montreal at the fair grounds here.
As for the boy and his father..I agree..I find it heartening to see such love and caring under those difficult circumstances in a family...In my job, as a foster family for physically and mentally handicapped adults..I often unfortunately see the opposit to be true. I have 2 clients living with me full time..one is high functioning 52 yrs old..he has a full life and many activities but he also has a brother here in town that takes him out once in the whole yr. My other is severely handicapped..41 yrs old, blind, mute, epileptic and the mental equivilent of a baby..I have to wash, dress, shave and feed him all pureed food...he hasn't much going for him AND he was abandoned at birth ...so he is totally at the mercy of the ppl charged with caring for him like me...I have had him for over a yr now and thankfully he has become calmer then in the past but we know of past history where it was not the case...he is trapped in the body he has, so with no defence he can only rely on surviving the best he can ....he is safe here but when I think of him and others like him in abusive envirements...it hurts my heart...it's the best way to express it I guess.
very sweet story of the boy and his dad. thank you for sharing. I love the pic!!!
(sniff) I need a tissue. (dries corner of eye).
I see a similar boy out and about on Elmwood Ave. here in Buffalo whose family seem to have a similar devotion. I'd hate to think that out there is a family who decide to keep a child at home in self-pity.
I hope not.
Here via Michele today.
p
hey Kenju, just in case you come back by from Michele's, I put up a new post for ya!
Judy....glad you had such a good trip! As you know, we just missed running into you down there. (Or having you run us over in your motorized cart!)
Beautiful story, great pictures. Thanks for sharing!
There is no greater love than the love you have for one of your own. :)
Beautiful post, Judy:))
I'm so glad the boy is loved so dearly.
Fantasmic is a superb show. Years ago, we saw it at Disneyland. That particular trip, it was just my kids, my mom and me. My mom paid for us to sit up on this balcony right in front of the show and they served us fancy desserts. It was so wonderful. I'm sure she paid a small fortune for that special treat, but it made an amazing memory for all of us.
What a wonderful post! Isn't uncondional love grand?!
Love the picture, sounds like a fantastic time!
Michele sent me!
I'm happy to learn that disabled people get seated first. As a disabled person, I often get the shaft on seating, especially in movie theatres. Don't even ask.
My DD has CP (mild case) and I'm not sure I'd ever consider it a blessing, but her disabilities have made me into a roaring tigermom that won't take crap from anyone regarding my DD. I fight like hell for her, and try and teach her to do the same.
Here from, oh you know.
Post a Comment