A Sad Disney Vacation Overview

[alilance]

My husband and I were at Walt Disney World Feb. 1st-5th. Our scheduled trip was Feb. 1st-9th. My mom has been sick with cancer for the last 18 months. We knew things didn't seem to be getting better, but my mom wanted us to take our annual vacation anyway. I had an uneasy feeling leaving for this trip and now I know why. My mom was told on our 4th day that she may only have a couple of weeks to live. My husband and I jumped on the first plane home upon hearing the news. Of course I felt guilty for being away from home as it was. I guess I was just hoping for a miracle. The funny thing is, my mom felt more guilty that we had to cut our vacation short. That is how selfless she is.
Walt Disney World has always been a big part of our family lives, we have gone on family trips each year religiously for the last 23 year. The last trip we went on as a family was November of 2007. She had just been diagnosed but was told by her doctors to go and have fun, chemo could wait a week or two. I'm not really sure why I'm even posting this thread, I just want everyone who is a Disney fan to truly know how important Walt Disney World trips can be for each and every part of a family. Our trips were some of the best times we ever spent together and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world!! Make sure on your Disney trips to have fun, don't fight over little things like what ride to go one or where and when to eat. Remember to thank God you are together, as a family, having fun in one of the most magical places on earth.

 

[mouse_luv]

Your mom is in my thoughts

 

[disneychic71]

I'm so very sorry to hear about your mother. Nevertheless, thank you for the reminder of how precious our time together is. In today's economy, I sometimes find myself thinking "if only we'd gone to Disney a little less, we'd have more $ in the bank now," but you remind me that those were the best times and I should have no regrets. I will say a prayer for you all.

 

[rsoxguy]

I'm sorry to hear that you and your family are facing this challenging time. I pray that your mother's prognosis will change for the better, and I pray that God will provide an extra measure of grace within the hearts of your family members as you all face the days that lie ahead.

 

[LoriMistress]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.

 

[Craig & Lisa]

Our thoughts go to your mom. My wife's mother went with us twice before she passd away. She truely enjoyed both trips, even though she needed a wheelchair, (couldn't walk too far without resting), she never had as much fun watching her grandsons while we were there, and never ate as much any other time. Every so often my wife watches the videos that we took when we were there and gets very quiet afterwards, I know she misses her mom as we all do, and we know that even though she is no longer with us in the physical sense, she is with us in our hearts and memories.

 

[bradandsarabr]

May God shower you with blessing through this difficult time.

 

[kstella]

Sometimes the best thing to do is just get away from it all and try to put your troubles out of yout head. My prayers are with all of you.

 

[HoneyMnShawnee]

My thoughts are with you and your family. Just remember all those trips and times you were with her at WDW, I know that the wonderful memories will help. Take care.

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

*hugs* My prayers are with you. God bless you during these difficult times.

 

[archangel2790]

I went through something similar when I was about 11, back in 1986 when my grandmother was sick. We had to leave early, and sick as she was, she got all over my mom and dad for coming home soon. It still makes me smile even though she's been gone for awhile now. She had never been with us to WDW, but she knew how much fun we had especially me and my sis.

Remember the times that you spent together, treasure them in your heart. Those are the things you'll remember. My memories of my grandmother warm my heart to this day.

I'll say a prayer for you and her, and your whole family in this time.

Take care.

 

[kangaand2roos]

My thoughts are with you and your family. I know that when I was younger we took my grandother to WDW because she had never been and wanted to see what the big deal was about. She talked about that trip from that day on and she lived until she was 92 years old. I was always so glad she could share that time with us and she enjoyed it as much as we did. It's amazing how Disney can create such wonderful memories and I'm sure you and your mom have similar memories. Again I'm sorry to hear about your mom.

 

[myhappyplace]

((hugs)) for you and your family!

I was lucky enough to take my grandmother to WDW one year, and as soon as we got back, she got really sick and passed away a few months later.
The first time back to WDW was bittersweet because of the memories, but now I look back on our time together there very fondly! The days at WDW were truly the last days she spent in good health and I feel very fortunate to have gotten those special memories.

 

[fotofrog62]

I am sorry to hear about your mother. I am blessed to have taken my mom 3 times to disney. This year will be our 4th and I am bringing my sister for her first visit. I keep thinking each time this will be the last because it is such a challenge. You know I would not trade it for the world. The smile on her face is priceless. Her favorite is the Festival Of The Lion King. God bless you and your family and always remember all the good times.

 

[KC82271]

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Similar story - two years ago my grandmother (actually step-grandmother but I didn't know my first one - died when I was 4 or 5) was diagnosed with cancer throughout most of the body. My mom and her sister both had planned separate trips to the world not knowing about the other for the same week. All of my aunts children and grandchildren were there. DH, DD and I were with my mom. Grandma told us to all go and have a good time - although we knew the end was near. She told us not to cancel - she would wait until we returned. Needless to say on day 3 of 6, my cell phone rang while we were in AK on the safari. Grandma had died. No funeral, no viewing and she wanted to be cremated and buried with Pop and his first wife. She never told us this, but her niece was aware of her wishes and this is what we did. Two weeks later, we held a memorial lunch and then the following week, we buried her remains.

To this day, 4 trips later, every time I ride the safari and see the hippos, I think of Grandma. Although she never went with us, she loved seeing our photos and hearing stories. It's true - enjoy the time you have/had with them, and if Disney is part of it, enjoy that too!