Our richest resource

Here we are again, August 23rd. Three years ago this was just an ordinary day, now it demarks the beginning of the amazing journey known as the Main Street Gazette. I could have never imagined the road that was before me then, just as I cannot dream what the next three years have in store for me now, but I am truly thankful for all I have gained. The one thing I am most grateful for are the people I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with over the past several years.

Time after time, the memories I carry back with me from a trip are of the new people I get to meet or the great times with old friends. And it doesn’t take long for new acquaintances to become fast friends, some of whom have become as close to me as family. They are not only the people you ride The Great Movie Ride With, but they are also the people you call, text, or email when there is news in your life or because you are simply having a bad day. This is the group of people who stand in line at the D23 Expo just to pick up a book for you, they modify their schedule to have a meal with you, they track down recipes during festivals for you, they send you old Disney memorabilia, and they drop hints to you about upcoming refurbishments, but that’s not why they are considered family.

While we all share a love for Disney, a passion that intersects at movies or the theme parks, or at all points of Disney entertainment, that is simply the starting point of much deeper connections. While we all come from different walks of life, have differing political and religious views of the world, none of that truly matters when you get down to the heart of the individuals. We begin to take an interest in their children and spouses, we love their quirks, and they in turn put up with ours. If the Gazette were to end tomorrow (it’s not, mind you), I would gladly part with it knowing that it has allowed me to forge some tremendous bonds.

My favorite memories from the past few years include almost altercations, sharing our knowledge and passion with intrigued strangers, glow stick duels, lessons in nighttime photography, tours of overlooked areas, dessert parties, new spouses and newborns, and more meals than I could shake a stick at. The things that each and every memory have in common are remarkable friends, wonderful conversations, and an heaping scoop of laughter.

For the sake of space (and knowing that I would likely forget someone that I would never wish to forget), I will just say that those of you in my Disney family know who you are, and I thank you, and cherish you, for being a part of it. To the Main Street Gazette’s readers, I hope each of you know the joy of your Disney family, and know that you are always welcome in mine. As always, I am humbled by the fact that so many of you keep reading my blathering, but so long as you continue to read the articles, I will continue to write them. Thank you, one and all.