Saturday, July 30, 2011

Advice You Will Hopefully Never Need But I Give You Anyway

Should you ever find yourself in the position of having PROMISED to take your 4 year old daughter and six year old son to Disneyland before end of summer, and this promise was made just days before you discovered that your entire life was about to be turned upside down medically, I have some advice for you.

Do it.

No matter how awful you feel. No matter how humbling it might be to be pushed through the park, bald in a wheelchair at age 39. No matter how difficult it was to even get out of bed for five minutes the next day. Because you know what? Tony and Bella have a picture of their mom, scarf and all, coming down Splash Mountain with them that may have cost me an awful lot physically but will pay off in spades in some photo album somewhere until the end of time.

While I'm giving advice on this matter, I cannot fail to caution you in a few areas. If you happen to be going through whole brain radiation at the time (and I certainly hope you will not be!), do not, under any circumstances, no matter how neat your little handicap pass that gets you right to the front of the 90 minute line may seem to be, get on Star Tours in 3D. This is simply too much for the newly radiated brain to take.

Furthermore, do not go anywhere near Toon Town, particularly that blasted Roger Rabbit Spinning Ride thing. It almost killed me.

Stick with things like It's A Small World, once thought by me to be the most boring, repetitive ride in the park. A little brain alteration makes it the most soothing place on the earth, let me tell you. Similarly, Pirates of the Caribbean is just long enough for a nice nap and just dark enough so the kids did not seem to notice, and even a little drool on the shirt passed for some pirate war splash. It was great!

Disneyland is really very good at accommodating guests with special needs and I really appreciated their support in fulfilling this promise to my children. There was little I could think of that I want to do less than go there yesterday and it will take me literally days to recover from it, but aside from the few pitfalls noted above, I am going to give it a two thumbs up recommendation. Especially since no one told me (and I was braced for it all day given my bloated belly) that, sorry, expectant ladies could not ride. I might have gone a tad postal at that but happily did not need to experience it.

Make every minute count with your kids, because there is no way you will ever regret that. It's my advice and I'm sticking with it!


16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your good sense of humor is not only intact but even more evident.
Thanks for more than one laugh.

elisa

Debbie said...

GOOD FOR YOU!!! and once again Suzanne I say YOU ARE AMAZING! Yes, it was the best thing...and I am so very glad you did it. Cannot even begin to imagine how you are feeling or how you felt, but after seeing the smile on your children's faces.I know you knew then it was worth it!

Anonymous said...

Suzanne,

You are such an inspiration for us and a teacher as well. I got goosebumps reading you blog about keeping your promise with your kids.

What a wonderful Mother you are. Your kids are blessed.

Emily Aoun said...

What an awesome mom you are!! I am sure that is one trip to Disneyland that little Bella and Tony will never, ever forget! You definitely deserve the "Mom of the Year" award!!

Michelle said...

You are awesome.

Allaire said...

Thank you. More prayers. And healing happy place- Disneyland recovery prayers too! You are AWE-SOME!

Angela said...

Awww love it! I have been living this for quite sometime ( making the most of time with my kids) and I have to say I don't regret it at all.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you got to do this! You are an awesome mom! Pictures??? -AO

Anonymous said...

I'm smiling thinking of that picture on Splash Mnt. I've been on the old Star Tours and felt really queasy...I can only imagine what that did for you! Sending you love. Maura

Anonymous said...

You continue to inspire and amaze me Suzanne. I'm learning so much from you....thank you for that! It was wonderful to see you at mass. It made my day!!!! I'm so glad you had a fun time at Disneyland.

Mary Hebert

Annie Bizzi said...

I never take a day with my family for granted--because of your sacrificial love, we all are reminded to savor the blessings we have.

Anonymous said...

LOVE YOU SUZANNE!! I love your comment about letting go a bit after having been so on top of it all. I am glad to hear this as you are not superwoman! Although we do all think of you that way! Sending you big LOVE, HUGS, and endless constant prayers!! Charlynn

Karen said...

I ran across your blog a week or so ago, searching for something on the Internet. God must have led me to it, as I have a prayer friend, who is facing challenges similar to yours...WBR, stage iv lung cancer, young children, etc, with a similar faith and humor. I linked to your blog in a "paying it forward" post on my Blog and Holly's at "A Life-sized Catholic Blog". Prayers...

Holly said...

I am visiting here because Karen@ Crooked Lines highlighted you and your blog on the "Pay It Forward" a blog meme, and I'm so happy that she did. Your courage is an inspiration, and your advice, something we should all consider, whatever our circumstance. Thank you for sharing with us.

God bless you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Love you Suz. You are a wonderful Mom! XOXO-Jen (Terry/Johnson)

Online pharmacy reviews said...

Actually i never promise anything to my daughter, last time i took her to an attraction park because she wanted to ride in a big cups game and one day i just awake her and mi wife and told them get ready we are living and just like that, is much better to not promise anything is better for kids for you to take action when is required.