'I Remember': 9-9-2009

A deviation involving my accepted Memory entry on the "Let The Memories Begin" website. Also a companion deviation to "To Apu From Ariel And Carlo": [link]

On September 8th, 2009, I was completely surprised at the Magic Kingdom by a dozen relatives - aunts, uncles, cousins, current and future in-laws and even a nephew - from Guam and Seattle. The next day, I was going to dine at Akershus when I found that they'd considered my experiences there (including for class) and decided to make a reservation there too!

I'd counted on only being able to tell my friends what had happened, but I was suddenly able to introduce my relatives to Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Snow White and Cinderella (in that order) and vice versa. The end result? My relatives all flipped out because they couldn't believe all five truly wanted to spend good time with my family! (On a lighter note, they also couldn't believe that all five knew who I was!) Auntie Vangie especially loved meeting Ariel because of what she'd done for my grandmother - the clan matriarch - while Auntie Fe especially loved meeting Cinderella because she has a niece who admires Cinderella a lot.

We still talk about that day because it was magical even by Disney standards. As a matter of fact, the Princesses loved us so much that they still talked about it when I last visited in December, which made me very proud of our family.

One reason I think we still talk about that day was because it came at a time when some in the clan, including myself, were dealing with the loss of loved ones. 2 months beforehand, both my grandmother and a great-aunt of mine (Auntie Fe's mother, I believe, though I could be wrong) had passed away. That said, it meant that that afternoon was also a shot in the arm to say the least because I could feel the Princesses driving away our sorrows, lifting our spirits and inspiring us to keep dreaming fearlessly.

I since discovered Ariel's Beginning and found I Remember, which Ariel sung in memory of her deceased mother Athena, reminded me of my grandmother but also of the light that Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White, Belle and Aurora had shone into my life both that afternoon and countless other times - and I don't doubt that I'm not alone because Auntie Vangie and Auntie Fe both say they can't forget that day, which is why some of the lyrics are in there.


Main shot: Ariel with (from left to right) Uncle Tony, Auntie Vangie, my cousin Arjay, myself and Auntie Fe
First lower shot from left: Belle with myself as she held me back for a bit as my relatives were seated
Second lower shot from left: Aurora with my female cousins. From left to right: Lory Jane, Lanie, Christine and Elaine.
Second lower shot from right: Snow White with Uncle Tony, Auntie Vangie and myself
Rightmost lower shot: Cinderella with Auntie Fe and myself

I really hope you enjoy it - feel free to emote and comment!