Magical Moments
October 30, 2011
Sometimes, a chance encounter with a truly remarkable person can transform the way you see yourself and the way you engage with the world around you.
Case in point: I recently took my very active six-year-old grandson, Gavin, on a Disney cruise. We were both so excited about this adventure, and I hoped we would create some wonderful memories together… but I had no idea about the lessons that awaited me on board that ocean liner.
On our first evening at sea, we headed toward the dining room for our evening meal. Just ahead of us, we noticed an older gentleman in a wheelchair, surrounded by his wife and four grown grandchildren. For a brief moment, I worried about how Gavin would respond to someone in a wheelchair; children can be so innocently curious.
A moment later, I realized I had no reason for concern. With a smile and a wave, Gavin and Sam became instant friends.
“Hey,” Sam said in a conspiratorial whisper, “reach into my backpack. There’s something special in there for you.”
Gavin looked up at me, wondering if this was really okay. I nodded to him with an encouraging smile, so he carefully unzipped the bag and peered inside. His eyes grew wide with delight. Inside the bag were hundreds of colorful pins, each one an animated Disney character.
“Go ahead, choose one,” Sam said. “You can start a collection!” Gavin selected a Mickey Mouse with shiny yellow ears, and by the way he held it in his palm, you would have thought it was pure gold. He was beside himself with joy. When I glanced at Sam, I saw he was equally delighted. Gavin must have thanked him five times. As we parted ways, all three of us were grinning from ear to ear.
The following night was “pirate night” on the ship, and all the guests were dressed accordingly. Gavin sported a Mickey Mouse cap with a pirate scarf, a big hoop earring, and a plastic hook to hide his hand. Feeling a little silly, I gamely wore a patch over one eye.
On our way to dinner, we ran into Sam again. Was he a sight see! The man was dressed in full pirate regalia: ragged cut-off pants, a scarf on his head tied rakishly to one side, and enough black eye makeup to make Johnny Depp proud. In the one hand, he carried a pole with a toy parrot perched on top, and his wheelchair bore a skull-and-crossbones flag draped across the back. From head to toe, Sam was dressed to the nines.
“Ahoy, mate,” he called out to Gavin, with a sideways smirk and a squint in his eye. “Ready to git some grub?”
“Aye aye, Captain,” Gavin crowed with a grin. He had been practicing his pirate-speak all afternoon.
“Well then, I’ll hold back the land lubbers; you and your beautiful lass go on ahead.” I felt myself blush. Next to Sam, I felt so boring in my simple eye patch. I realized I had not really committed myself to the fun!
As the evening progressed, Gavin and Sam’s laughter could be heard throughout the dining room. These newfound friends were having an evening to remember, while I sat quietly at my table, wondering, “How come he’s in a wheelchair, but I’m the one feeling handicapped?”
That night, as I lay in bed, I pondered this question deeply. Sam’s joyful way of being was a teaching, and I was determined to learn from it.
The next day, as we made our way down a corridor, Sam came whizzing by. “Let’s race!” he yelled over his shoulder, and Gavin took off with squeals of laughter, trying his best to catch his new friend. When I finally caught up with them, Gavin was breathing heavily, a giant grin spread across his rosy little cheeks.
In that moment, I realized Sam had become the highlight of our cruise. No luxury ship or sumptuous meal could compete with the sheer joy he exuded.
In the days and weeks that followed, I thought a lot about Sam.
• He knew the joy of giving with a glad heart.
• He showed us that participating fully is living life to the fullest.
• He knew how to make his own fun, regardless of the circumstances.
What began as an adventure for my grandson turned out to be a poignant experience for us both – an important course in the School of Life. I am so grateful for this chance encounter, and so glad we were open to the experience.
Questions to Consider:
1. When in public, are you open to interactions with strangers?
2. Are you less available to those who are physically or mentally challenged?
3. What can you do to bring more fun and joy to everyday moments?
Remember: life is what you make of it. An open mind and an engaging heart make the world more magical, for everyone. Learn to be more spontaneous and joyful, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Fun is the spice of life!
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