Picture a day of quality time in the happiest place on Earth. You see smiling faces and a little bit of magic awaits you around every corner.
As grateful and happy as I was to spend time in this land of happiness, I could not escape a hint of sadness as my seven year old could not take it. Sensory sensitivity is becoming apparent in various ways and there was certainly a great deal of that happening at every turn.
The standing, the walking, and the lines were just too much for her to take.
Though she looked the part in every way, her body told her it was on overload. We found many magical things to do while waiting for her brother to ride and explore with sheer delight. We took a much slower pace and took many breaks. While we waited, Make a Wish kids and others who were also facing a challenge passed by us. For those children and my own daughter, I struggled at times to face a cold, hard fact. My child could not experience this trip like many other children her age do.
Her legs could not handle the walking and the weight of her on my back more times than expected was just a realization that careful considerations and thought must go into every thing for Kelsey; happy times included.
In the end, she found a heroine in Star Wars’ Rey and there was one souvenir she just had to have. Holding her father’s hand at a point when she felt strong and confident, she strolled with pride.
In this moment, I was happy. She is a warrior and for her, I will do:
“Whatever it takes
You take me to the top, I’m ready for
Whatever it takes,” Imagine Dragons, Whatever It Takes
Whatever It Takes. For you. Always.