A Disney Dream come True

I wanted to take a moment and write about a fantastic experience I just had with my family.  Back in 1997, I was working for the Personal Development Guru, Jim Rohn.  I was doing a talk to promote one of Jim’s seminars at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California.  I arrived at the Hotel parking lot early (as usual) and as I sat in my car, I wrote in my journal about the people passing by on their way to Disneyland.  At the time I was newly married, but my wife was back at our home in Oregon.  I was 27 years old and the thought of a family for us was a long way off, but still I imagined what good times I would have with my own kids someday. 

One man, obviously a Dad, had his son 0n his shoulders as they walked past my car toward the theme park.  The boy was around 3 or 4 years old and they both had smiles on their faces.  Right then and there I imagined what it would be like to take my own children to Disneyland, what a feeling of excitement and anticipation.  Sharing experiences and joy with my family suddenly became something that I gave thought to, and wanted. 

I have imagined myself walking into Disneyland with my own son on my shoulders ever since that day.  That image has stayed with me all these years, and 2 weeks ago I made it happen for me.  My wife and I took our children to Disneyland for the first time, and it was everything I had hoped it would be.  My 4 year old son traded shoulder-riding time with my 2 year old daughter.  After 2 days of carrying the kids around my back was sore, my ribs ached and my feet hurt…but I didn’t care. 

We had an outstanding time as a family, and we created many memories that none of us will ever forget.  That is what it’s all about for me, spending time with the ones that you love enjoying life.

Creating a family and being an involved Dad is an honor.  It is also something that I take very seriously and encourage you to do the same.  That’s why I can get so frustrated with our mainstream media and entertainment television when they portray Dads as uninvolved, uncaring, selfish morons.  That’s so far from the truth…at least for my circle of friends. 

REAL Dads are out there, and they are leading the way for their families and their children.  This website is dedicated to celebrating them.