That epic detention scene from the classic movie the Mighty Ducks defines the tone of my most recent trip to Disney World. Shenanigans ran wild everywhere. Dancing was key. Dueling Pianos were defining.
In short I was given the wonderful opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself and more importantly to be so kindly woven into the fabric of a family that has been going strong since 1999.
A few years ago, I got my closest girlfriends shirts that mimicked the classic green mighty ducks hockey game sweater. Malia got Hall, Betty was Conway (although in hindsight we all know she should have averman), Allie was the perfect cake eater so got Banks, and then Jenna and I rounded out the group as the famous (and might I ad charismatic ;) ) Bash brothers, Fulton Reed and Dean Portman. Why did I buy them you ask? Well…because in the most fundamental sense; Ducks fly together.
I am lucky to be blessed with girl friends who have stuck together through good times and bad, through multiple moves, graduations, husbands and various other craziness. We are our own band of brothers, the Golden Girls: the CPE.
For years we had always heard rumors of these amazing other people that Jenna met by way of a mouse and a magical kingdom. They were her other family bonded by similar life events and a little pixie dust. Needless to say, I was anxious to meet them.
On the second day of our trip to Epcot for Food and Wine Festival I got in my Duck jersey as instructed but was not sure what to expect. Yes, the night before was a blast full of antical dancing, but I was still trying to figure out how I could possibly fit into this family. Maybe I would need to be content with just being a bystander. I've always wondered how this other family could understand our family's love for the mighty ducks, but I took a deep breath and proceeded on faith.
We started our oh so familiar walk to the boardwalk and spotted a fellow duck below the bridge looking around for someone familiar, who instantly responded to our duck call from above and sprinted toward the call. (I kid you not it was like a scene from the movie) Then as we were trying to board the boat to begin our adventure, a second duck forgot his park pass….without hesitation the group lets out a "Goooaaldbeeerrg" and there was no looking back.
We were welcomed unconditionally with open arms into their world. I am sure that growing up, I was not the only one who had a father say "treat others like you want to be treated". As I get older I try not to be jaded, but it seems like often times people forget that. This weekend reminded me how important the golden rule really is and how you can truly bridge gaps with its power. Its easier to love than it is to hate or to judge. Looking back it was simple, the fabric that wove these two families together was the ability to love and be genuine.
So would I quack at the principal by myself?...probably not, but if I was with the group that stood in front of an entire bar singing "we are the champions" or the fantastic people that did the conga line around the bar...then yes I would definitely change my answer and give a resounding QUACK!
#ducksflytogether To all those that made the past weekend wonderful, I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart...I am so blessed to have finally met you all.
Gordon Bombay wanted to leave you with a little parting gift...
