Joy in Toon Town
Most often my ramblings about trips down south are
recollections of near misses, tense moments and surprising adventures. Of course there is lots of fun thrown in….otherwise
you think I’d keep going back for more?
You see, I’m not really a “Disneyland person”, at least I wasn’t before
Kristin. From infancy I had major issues
with motion sickness…to give you an idea, I don’t feel well if I sit in a
rocking chair and someone (Krissy) walks by and pushes it. But this is the place our daughter looks
forward to and loves more than anywhere else.
With her autism significantly impacting her life, I’ve been grateful to
be able to share these joyful experiences with her, whenever we have the
opportunity.
We had an experience on Friday that though I will
never forget it, I wanted to try and capture it on paper and share it with
you. I am moved to tears even as I recall
it. You see, I found myself standing on
a little slice of Holy Ground….in Mickey’s Barn, of all places. Before you
decide I’m crazy or maybe irreverent, hear my story.
Krissy and I proceeded thru Mickey’s house in Toon
Town, out to the movie barn where the ‘meet and greet’ takes place. It was nearing the end of our last day
there. After a 15 minute wait, it was
our turn to go in with our group of 12 or so.
In front of us was a young woman, maybe 15, with her parents. She was severely disabled physically…semi-reclined
in her wheelchair with limbs contracted.
It was her turn and Mickey gently took her hands in his gloves. She apparently couldn’t speak, but then
Mickey doesn’t either. Trust me here, no
words were needed. That roomful of
people went quiet and she was the total focus.
Mickey was in no hurry. He
approached her as though she was the only child in the universe. He gently rubbed her head….he nuzzled that big
ol’ mouse nose against her cheek. Her smile was a mile wide…everyone was
captivated by her joy. I’ve see a lot of
nice ‘cast members’ be very kind and accommodating…but I’ve never experienced
what we saw. I have no doubt that under
that costume was a heart that belongs to Jesus.
Because isn’t that just like Him…to show up in unexpected places and
leave no doubt who’s Presence we are truly enjoying?
I never expected a sacred
moment in Toon Town, but that’s how I described it in a phone call to my
husband shortly afterwards. And I’ve
decided I can’t wait for Krissy to ask me some day if Mickey Mouse will be in
Heaven. I won’t have to think twice
before answering~