Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
Tender moments have a way of sneaking up on you.
We went to Disneyland last week, and it was a wonderful trip, where memories to last a lifetime were made, but the most moving moment for me came, unexpectedly, as we sat on the shuttle taking us from the rental car agency to LAX, to return home.
Emma had chosen the seat at the very front of the bus, right next to the driver. She sat there, unaware that I was watching her, with her Disney Princess t-shirt on, and her Disney Princess backpack, wearing her Disney Princess Mickey Mouse ears -- the ones with the tiara and the lacy veil -- and holding tight to her Sleeping Beauty doll, smiling as she looked out the window -- wide-eyed and awaiting the next adventure.
I began to think of how many of those precious memories this little girl had provided to us.
To me.
Dissolve to Emma, feeding her adrenaline addiction on the Indiana Jones ride. Each time she went on hesitantly, and came off with enough energy to power the whole park.
Fade to wide eyes, dangling feet, open mouth and giddy laughter as she experienced "Soarin' Over California."
Fade to Emma announcing loudly -- and proudly -- to the entire boat, on Pirates of the Caribbean, that she had kept her eyes open THE WHOLE TIME!!
Fade to Jordan, Emma and myself as we walked, exhaustedly, through the World of Disney store when, out of nowhere, Emma starts beat-boxing, and then rapping "It's a small world" -- complete with dance moves. I honestly have no idea on Earth where she learned to do that.
Fade to Emma, braving the Green Grilling Ghosts of the Haunted Mansion (Grim Grinning Ghosts).
Fade to the little hand within the big hand, holding tight and squeezing tighter, to punctuate her words, as she talks about what's coming next.
Fade to the little girl who hangs her Minnie Mouse sunglasses from the front of her shirt. Just like her dad.
Dissolve back to me on the airport shuttle, taking my own sunglasses from the front of my shirt, and slipping them on -- not wanting to explain why my eyes are suddenly tearing up.
She's slipping through my fingers a little more each day, and if she's going to fly, I know I have to let her go. But, as she steps into the spotlight at center stage, I'll happily fade into the wings.
Because I love to watch this show.
26 comments:
Oh, I just teared up. So sweet.
I love Emma.
As expensive as Disneyland can be, it sounds like you came home with a more priceless gift than even THEY could market.
I love that.
Crap...where are my sunglasses when I need them.
Lovely story. Now stop doing this to us. I'm starting to see my girls in your Emma.
That was such a sweet post. I totally get where your coming from. I have those teary moments myself from time to time. Great Photostory!
I need sunglasses...and tissue please. ;D
you never fail me, Chris. You are such a great dad. Emma is a lucky little lady.
I was close to tears with that post. Can't think why!
You gave that little girl the dream of her lifetime! She gave you something more .....
Mind you...... bet you were glad to get home!
As a parent of three, I hear you, loud and clear.
Damnit. You made me cry.
Extremely well written Chris. I think you've captured what all of us parents have gone through, are going through and will go through. You truly have a gift not just with your camera but with your words.
Thank you for sharing.
That is so sweet. And Emma is probably the coolest little girl ever!
Ok...I don't have sunglasses so I had to grab the tissue before I could type. That was THE sweetest post I've ever read and you've written many sweet ones!!
I LOVE how you LOOK at your kids in all that they do and are.
You Rock!!
enjoy those tender moments, it passes so quickly. But fortunately for parents we become grandparents--just last night I was watching my husband walk through the yard and our little sweetings ran after him, upon catching him she slipped her little hand in his and said, "I love you gwampa, you the best." Then once again, I was having a tender moment with my grown up child--because she gave me this moment.
Please pass the tissue. sniff sniff! You are the best story teller.
Wow. What a beautiful, beautiful story!
I especially love the open mouthed thrilled picture. Awesome.
PS: take us to Disneyland please!
I'm fairly certain it can NOT get any better than Emma or Emma at Disneyland. Life is so good at times!
awwwwwwwwwww such a sweet post... I get it oh so much!
I love this. So beautifully said.
Looks like a trip Emma will never forget!
My fav shot is the last one. No more words...looks like she enjoyed herself, just as much as you did!
PRECIOUS!!!!!!
i WANT those sunglasses (the really wide ones!) it really is the happiest place on earth - except when it's 104 and you're in line with the entire continent... looks like you all had an amazing time
I LOVED this . . . AND the pics. Thank you!
There really is something magical about experiencing Disney with your kids. It's so much fun. I'm actually the one who cried when we had to leave. :)
Sounds like your family made a lot of wonderful memories. Beautiful post.
She is hands down what I think Heaven must be like. Gorgeous photostory, Chris.
Aw, sniff sniff. You know how to make a pregnant mama cry. What a sweet girl. Glad your family had fun.
You can always bring tears to my eyes. :) Sweet Emma, sweet babies.
Post a Comment