Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: INSOUCIANT (06/02/16)
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TITLE: Surprising Surrender in a Flying Elephant | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
06/08/16 -
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Crowds of people moved in various directions, a double decker bus rolled by, and “Zippidee doo da” blared through speakers. Children formed a line for Mickey Mouse’s autograph, and I longed to be included.
“This is so great!” I shook Tommy’s arm, hoping to pump some excitement into him.
“Now what?” He vacantly stared at me.
“We’re here to have fun. Though we’re grown-ups, we get to behave insouciantly.”
“That means what?” He squinted at the crowds as he plopped down on a park bench.
“It means we’re going to forget all of our worries and have fun. This is your day. We’ll do whatever you want.”
A slow smile emerged. “You mean we don’t have doctor appointments today?”
“No, this is a carefree day. All we have to do is choose rides. What would you like to go on first?” I watched him with anticipation.
“Disneyland is huge Carla,” he said softly. “I don’t know, you choose.”
“I think we should begin in Fantasyland on the kiddie rides.” I helped him up and we walked to the street curb.
An antique convertible slowly came to a halt. The driver, resembling a member of a barber shop quartet, complete with striped vest, bow tie and straw hat helped us on. He sat down behind the wheel, nodded to us, honked his rubber horn, and then proceeded to bounce us down Main Street USA.
Victorian era shops surrounded us as we traveled down the cobblestone street. Excited children skipped ahead on the sidewalk, as parents hurried to keep up. I squeezed my brother’s hand.
“Do you smell that Tommy?” The fragrance of caramel apples floated through the air. “Let’s grab some after we go on rides.”
When the car stopped, the driver called, “Welcome to Sleeping Beauty’s castle and Fantasyland!”
Tommy climbed out of the car carefully, and I hopped out after him. Once again I took his arm leading him toward the bridge to enter the castle, when he suddenly stopped.
“What are we doing today?” His creased forehead was perspiring.
“We’re enjoying Disneyland. Remember?” My heart raced and I swallowed hard.
“I don’t deserve fun. I made myself sick.” Tears pooled in his eyes.
“No you didn’t. We don’t have to think about that today. We’re having fun. No worries, no stress.”
Silence ensued as Tommy stared at his sneakers.
“Are you ready to rock and roll?” I forced enthusiasm to prod him to move forward, attempting to encourage him to let it go for one day.
Finally he raised his head with a grin. “Okay.”
“Yea!” I grabbed his arm and led him over the wooden bridge and into the land of fantasy.
We spun in the Mad Tea Party teacups until we were dizzy, chugged through Storybook Land on Casey Jr.’s Circus Train, and held on tightly as we flew over Fantasyland in Dumbo the elephant. As we were making our way to the Small World boat ride, a lovely Cinderella caught Tommy’s attention.
“Isn’t she your favorite?”
I followed my brother as he made his way to the beautiful blonde princess.
“My sister likes you,” he blurted.
Heat crept into my face and I smiled shyly as I shuffled my feet.
“Well I like her too,” giggled the Princess.
My eyes widened and I too giggled when the Princess took my hands and twirled me around. A lump formed in my throat when I noticed my brother with a huge smile.
By late afternoon, we were sitting in the shade on Main Street enjoying Mickey Mouse ice cream bars. We watched families leave as exhausted children wailed. I’m so glad that’s not me. I bit off a chocolate covered mouse ear with a grin.
“If these people knew what disease I have, they would be afraid,” Tommy said quietly as his ice cream dripped onto his shorts.
Lord, please give me the right words.
“All that matters right now is that you and I had a great day today. Remember Tommy, God loves you very much.”
“I guess my next vacation will be with God,” he whispered.
Through unshed tears, I smiled at him. “And won’t it be glorious!”
Based on a true event
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God bless.
I'm so glad you were able to take your brother's problems away for at least one day. Hopefully, he is still alive. He is fortunate to have a sister like you.
Thanks for sharing such a bittersweet moment in your life.