Mason’s Best Day Ever

by Cheryl K. Pangborn Print This Article

Mason holding the hands of adults while walking through a busy location during his trip to Walt Disney World.

I have been writing this feature for a while now and, as you know, I usually take a humorous approach to being a Mom. I don’t want to get too heavy, but, I would like to share a recent experience that left me with a profound view of motherhood. I have not mentioned before that I have a child with a developmental disability. And if anyone has to maintain a sense of humor, rest assured it’s me! Any parent living with disability understands the challenges thrust at you each and every day…even in the simple, mundane things in life. Activities that other families take for granted in a regular day are often a huge undertaking for a family dealing with disability. Simple trips to the grocery store or an outing to a birthday party can involve the most careful planning and can often wear a parent out completely. So, I dedicate this story to my son Mason, who is most often a joyful, happy little boy who is just stuck in his own world.

My extended family recently took a vacation at Walt Disney World. They offered to take my daughter which was a thrill for her because she often misses out on things like vacationing because they are so difficult to do with Mason. I realized that my husband would also be traveling on business at the same time in the Orlando area. It was then that an idea formed. Could I take Mason to WDW?? It sounded crazy even to me! But, the idea kept fermenting in me and I couldn’t forget it. I definitely had my doubts. I avoid taking Mason to too many large community outings due to his sensory issues and other safety concerns that I always have when he is in a large public place. I had heard that WDW is very accommodating to children with, not only physical disabilities, but also those with mental limitations as well. I did some research online and this really boosted my enthusiasm. “We can do this” became my mantra. When I presented the idea to my husband, he definitely thought I was “loco”. I gave him all of my reasons for thinking this could be done, including that my family would be there to help. This was crazy, maybe, but I was willing to give it a try. I figured if the kid wants to ride Dumbo all day for 8 hours, so be it! It’s his day and I won’t let my getting dizzy (to the point of nausea) deter me! I am Mommy, hear me roar! Let me tell you, I pre-planned this trip right down to a science! My nerves were shot and I was practically a basket case thinking of all that could go wrong, but, I forced myself to focus on Mason enjoying himself and getting a break from his regular, regimented world and into a world that no one can deny is fun!

I am happy to report, the day went like a dream! The folks at WDW were so terrific and I will always be thankful to them for recognizing how much a parent like me needs help in a place like that. They issued us a “Guest Assistance Pass” which allowed us entry onto all of the rides without waiting in lines. All of our party was welcome to ride with us. Mason never had the anxiety of having to wait or to be overwhelmed by small, crowded areas. Seeing my Mason laugh and smile all day, was the best gift a mother could ever experience. He rode quietly on the bus and monorail. He loved all of the rides and dealt with unexpected changes well. Of course, we never actually ate or drank anything because if you have a child like mine, you know there is only one speed and that is “GO”. I felt faint by the middle of the day without any sustenance but got lucky when a McDonald’s french fry vendor opened up right while we were passing by! So, we loaded up on the salty delights, and kept on trucking. In situations like these, all health consciousness flies right out the window.

While I am sure most people walk 100 miles in a day at Disney, I am quite sure I speed walked at least 300. Plenty of miles to work off those French Fries! We had a few “touch and go” moments, but, overall the experience made my “best day ever” list. When you see your otherwise distracted child engage in the uninhibited joy and excitement of an experience like this, it does something to you. It makes you forget, even for one day, all the challenges, therapy sessions, setbacks, and frustrations and it gives you a sense of normalcy. I have no doubt that if Mason could tell me how he felt that day, he would say too that it was his best day ever. I write this to encourage mom’s who are in a similar situation, that with a little faith and planning, all things are possible. I took a chance that I will never regret and even look forward to trying again. This positive experience has really paved the way for me to “go for it!” And I am sure Mason agrees with my new attitude.

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Mason’s Best Day Ever

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