The Mythology of Us

my·thol·o·gy

[məˈTHäləjē]

NOUN

a. Mythology is a collection of myths, especially the ones that belong to a particular sacred, religious, or cultural tradition of a group of people. Myths are a collection of stories told to explain nature, history, and customs–or the study of such myths.

Like most mythology, this story is based on several true, factual, actual events. This story, like most mythology requires some imagination, some magic, belief in other forces of nature at play, and – most importantly, love.

This story takes place in 1976, the year of the United States’ Bicentennial. It is a time of red, white, and blue bunting, readings of the Declaration of Independence, and reminder that America is unique among nations.

One specific American uniqueness began in 1928.  Humbly enough, it began with a mouse.  A mouse with a name,.Mickey Mouse.  Out of that first black and white cartoon emerged a growing empire founded on Walt Disney's dreams.  By the year of our story, Disney had created two magical places; Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World in those days consisted of the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian Resort, a Monorail to connect them all, and the former Disney Inn. The one park had seven magical lands and still required tickets to get on the rides (look up E-Ticket Ride here).

Every February hundreds of thousands of kids have off from school for what is known as “spring break”.  For those in the north, the wind is still in full effect with driving snow, wind, and artic temperatures. Florida, with its sunshine and moderate weather is a very enticing destination and what better place to visit in Florida than Disney World.

And so, a family from Upper Arlington, Ohio, went to Orlando to visit the Magic Kingdom; a mom, dad, two girls and a boy.

At the same time, a family from Monroe, New York, flew from La Guardia airport to Florida; a mom, dad, and two boys.

And somewhere in that magic place and time a nine-year-old boy from Monroe laid eyes on a six-year-old girl from Upper Arlington.  They stood next to each other on the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cup Ride. In the minds of children nothing about that moment registered, nor should it in the anticipation of spinning tea cups! No parent noticed either as they were tending to other children.  Yet, in that moment something happened.  Where and why does fate intervene? Know one can know.

The families went on the ride and exited at different points of egress.  The boy and the girl would not see each other for another twenty-five years.

Destiny has a funny way of playing itself out.  Life took them in very different directions before bringing them back together.  But they did find each other again. It was meant to be.  In mythology these things work out because of magic, forces beyond our perception, and most of all - love. 

Where does the truth end and the myth take over? We are not very sure and that is what makes it a great story...

Lisa and I take the kids to the Magic Kingdom every few years.  We have made Disney the beginning of our story and a part of our life.  With a wink and nod we always find our way over to the teacup ride to see who the boys are standing next to - wondering if. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, Lisa.