by Melissa Cavanaugh

Created on: January 16, 2009

Life in rural Iowa as a second-grade girl had its moments of excitement.

I remember bursting with pride when I was selected to play Little Miss Muffet in our elementary play, or riding my bike with friends as the wind whipped through my long, brown hair. My parents loved me, and I had a kid brother that I could pretty much keep in line when I felt I needed to. Things were pleasant, if not regular, until one day when my parents dropped a happy-bomb on my brother Rob and me.

I remember my parents having a sit-down meeting Rob and me one spring night in the 80's. Sit-downs were usually reserved for discussing topics that were either very, very good or very, very bad. I wondered which it would be that night.

"Kids", my dad sternly began, "We're taking you to Disneyworld. I've got business in Florida, so we're driving down on May 4 and spending a few days checking out Disney." I looked at Rob. Rob looked at me. We screamed the ear-splitting screech only children in either pure terror or delight can achieve. I recall jumping up and down, being so excited to know I was going to such a magical place that I'd only dreamed about. I may have even hit Rob in my great excitement.

Torture is a mild adjective to describe how I waited and waited for my amazing trip to begin. The days simply seemed to drag on, as I waited and waited for May 4 to arrive. School continued, but nothing really seemed to matter with that Disneyworld trip just waiting for me, calling my name. Even now, as a mother, when May 4 arrives, I still vividly recall that first trip to Florida. I remember looking through the JCPenney catalog with my mom, carefully choosing a swimsuit that would be fabulous for my adventure. Grandparents gave money toward souvenirs. Mickey Mouse wallets were purchased. At last, May 4 arrived. It was time to go.

The ride took forever! My parents wanted to take it all in, enjoying the countryside as our trip from Iowa to Florida. They decided that we would drive rather than fly. Driving - which took four days! - was cruel to a child who just wanted to GET there already! At last, we arrived in sunny, happy Florida. We were greeted at Disney's gates with all the splendor and grandeur I had imagined. Checking in to the hotel, my nine-year-old self could not get enough of the people, places, and excitement that surrounded Florida.

At last, we were there. Disneyworld! We were greeted at the gates by extremely excited and cheerful Disney employees. I recall riding the monorail, and wondering

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