TMSM’s Adventures in Florida Living ~ Reflection Time

September 16, 2015

`hugs tmsm

It’s Wednesday, and time for our weekly check in! I hope you are all doing well this evening, and I thank you for following along with us and what we’re up to each week. It’s been really rainy here in Central Florida, so our park time has been pretty much non existent. That being said, I thought I’d take a different approach for the blog this week. Just some thoughts….

I know that we’re lucky getting to live near Walt Disney World. Wait, I take that back, it’s not luck, it’s a blessing. We live close to the magic, and I’m thankful for that. Sometimes though, the job down here isn’t easy. We are across the country from family and friends that we love and miss, and when I’m feeling blue or discouraged, I miss having loved ones close by. There’s no one here for that. No one to help with the boys either if we need it… I was actually sad when I had to fill out the kids emergency contact information at school, because I had no family to list. So, living down here has it’s ups and downs, and I was feeling a little sad about that…. until last week.

A long time Main Streeter and Cast Member friend suddenly lost her 3 month old son. Yes, a baby boy, gone. I couldn’t believe it, and my heart just broke for her. No one should have to go through the loss of a child, and I just can’t imagine how she must feel. When tragedy like that hits, it makes you look at your own life and count your blessings. No matter how bad we think we have it, or how blue we may get, there is always someone else out there who has it worse. That story really put things into perspective for me. The family had a memorial on Bay Lake at WDW for the baby. I did my best to share her fundraiser for the baby and covering expenses for this unexpected loss, but that’s all I could do. I felt helpless, but wanted to do something if I could. I continue to watch for updates and pray for that family. Things will be hard for them for a long time, and they have my deepest sympathy.

The Genie Transportation Services

So what can I learn from the things I see around me? Maybe to have a gracious heart, and try to look for the good things instead of the bad? It’s hard sometimes though, isn’t it? I truly believe that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, and there is a reason for everything in life. Do I understand some of those events or find good reasons for them? Sadly no. However, I think we can learn from those around us and try to apply positive attitudes and such in our own lives. Yes, I miss my friends and family. Yes, sometimes the job is hard, and people make it even harder at times (long story). All in all though, living near my happy place is a good thing, and I need to remember that. Hopefully the rain will stop and my mood will lift, and next weeks blog will be back to being fun and happy. Life isn’t always mickey bars and pixie dust, but it’s nice to know that people care and love you when those times arise. Still sending love and prayers to Kelly and her family for their loss… and sending you all a virtual hug tonight too, wherever you are. Till next week….. See Ya Real Soon! ~M

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Michele Atwood Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Main Street Mouse
Michele Atwood is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources since 2010. A credentialed Disney Partner and media professional, Michele serves as a theme park contributor and insider for Fox 35 Orlando and WDBO radio covering Disney and Central Florida attractions. Michele has also contributed to the Orlando Sentinel, WESH 2, and Spectrum News 13. Michele is the published author of four books — "Moving to Main Street U.S.A.," "How Many Sleeps Till Disney?," "How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?" and "Daydream Believing: Confessions of a Grown Up Princess" and is co-owner of the House of Mouse Expo and Lost Princess Apparel. With over a decade of hands-on coverage of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Central Florida theme parks, Michele brings firsthand expertise and media access to every story she covers.



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