Ohana
I know what everyone is thinking, this post is going to be about the delicious food served in the Polynesian resort's Ohana restaurant. Guess what it's not (even though that is one of my favorite places to dine at Disney World!) I have decided to take a break for this post and instead of writing about traveling with kids, I have decided to focus on the Disney Gals!
In the Hawaiian culture, Ohana means family in an extended sense of the term. It has been my personal experience that family comes into your life not through just blood relatives. Many people walk into our lives and impact us so deeply, that they become family. Each and every one of the Disney Gals is now a part of my family.
Who would have thought that in just a couple of short months this group would have come so far. We started out because none of us had a blog. We thought what a neat way to have a blog and be able to share our experiences and love for Disney and not have to do all of the work ourselves...it would be a team effort. Did you know that none of us have actually ever met face to face? Did you know that we all came to know each other because of the Disney Mom's Panel Search? All of us were not selected (but don't worry our time is coming!) We all became part of a group called the Mickey Mom's Club which is made up of those not selected for the panel, but still are striving for it!
In a few short months this group of gals have turned an idea into success! We all came together because of our love of Disney...and now we are binded because of our love for each other.
Each and every gal in this group has had their fair share of triumphs and tribulations (some more than others unfortunately) in their lives. We have been able to lean on each other for support, virtual hugs, and pixie dust sent in the form of chats, e-mails, jokes, and even actual mail (thanks to Lori for my awesome Disneyland pin and maps!)
Today I am going back to work after an extended maternity leave. In January of this year I had my second child a girl, Princess Sophia. She and my son John have brought so much joy to my life that I find it harder this time around to re-enter the workplace. I know that I am going back to work to do great things and that my patients are (hopefully) looking forward to my return. As I expressed my ambivalence and anxiety about re-entering my job, all of these ladies were nothing but supportive and I know will be here for me to help me along while I become adjusted again.
My heart is overflowing with love for this group. We have all become family. If it wasn't for the Disney community we would have never met. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. As Jiminy Cricket says "Fate steps in to see you through" and it was fate that brought us all together.
Thank you ladies for being my rock! I know that it has only been a short time but I can't wait to see what is in store for us! I also am looking forward to the day that we all can meet...no more virtual hugs at that point only the real cuddly ones!
So to all of our readers please stick with us and you too will become part of our family!
P.S. invite your friends and family to be part of this journey!
Heather is a Disney Gal, who loves the chocolate smell of pop century in the morning, dreams of being Snow White in a parade, and happily skips down the middle of Main Street USA while wearing Mickey ears!
I hardly know what to say. I am in tears! You put that into words so beautifully, Heather. Love you to pieces! Have a great first day at work in your Minnie scrubs and know that we are all thinking of you today. ((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteWow, Heather! What a wonderful way for us to start our day - reading your post brought tears to my eyes - we all feel the same way and are thinking about you today as you leave your little ones to head back to work.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heather, for such a great start to my day. You and all the other gals on here are truly part of my Ohana and I thank you all!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could hug you right now (in-person)! Thank you for sharing your feelings with everyone and really you are sharing all our feelings. You are right we have all come together for a reason. Just so you know you are not the only one crying today, we are now all crying with you, but they are tear of love. (By the way I am sure you rock those Mickey Crocs!)
ReplyDeleteAwwww. (Reaching for a tissue) Beautifully put Heather! You have truly summed up how I feel about each and everyone of you Gals. Thanks for writing this and hope you have a great first day back!
ReplyDeleteOhana does mean family. It means so many different things. To us it is a safe place to call Home. Just like they say when you pull into Disney Property. Welcome Home. Here we have found just that. And as Walt himself said..."To all who come to THIS happy place...Welcome!" I love you all ºoº
ReplyDeleteBelieve in the possibilities.....live the dream.....I am speechless! For those that know me, that speaks volumes. I truly can't find the words!With a little faith, trust and pixie dust we were brought together to be on this journey of a lifetime. Your patients, like us, are all so lucky to have you in their lives!
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