WALK DIZZY AT EPCOT

The Disney Corp. was a major part of my childhood. The 1st movie I saw in a theatre was the Disney flick, Lady and the Tramp. My 1st set of books all featured Disney characters; a favorite was Donald Duck and the Witch. My 1st set of records all featured songs from Disney movies and TV specials. I used to swagger around the house bellowing out The Ballad of Davy Crocket. Fess Parker really was all that!

And at 4:00 PM every afternoon I was right there in front of my TV singing along with the Mouseketeers! They were the coolest, happiest, luckiest  kids on the planet! My favorite was Karen. I even named my cat after her. She was the closest to my age and had that long silky blond hair I coveted. My mother adamantly refused to let mine grow long!

Every Friday the show featured a western theme. Karen & Cubby the youngest of the group were always led out atop a pony. And every Friday I always watched wearing that turquoise & brown Indian dress my father bought for me at the Seminole village.

And the Wonderful World of Disney was the highlight of my Sunday nights at 7:00 PM! It was not an exaggeration to say I had a Disney childhood.

Walt Disney loomed large in my life. As a toddler I called him "Walk Dizzy" thinking that was his actual name. I considered him to be a family member, only more so! To me, he was a combination of a beloved uncle and superman. After all he created a magic kingdom. I was certain he dwelled inside the magnificent castle there.

The last Disney movie I saw at the theater was Summer Magic in 1964. And I was sure some Disney sorcery was involved. How else could such a homely little girl like Hayley Mills have become a full-fledged beauty in her teens.

I eagerly visited Disney World in Orlando shortly after it opened. I was impressed and enjoyed lots of fun, but I left with a been -there, done- that feeling. I was in my early 20's now and more focused on seeing Europe and the world.

When Epcot, Disney's other attraction opened, I barely shrugged. I'd been to the Moulin Rouge in Paris and the Kasbah in Tangier among many other fabulous places. Epcot just seemed like kiddie stuff.

In 2009 my (then) boyfriend Hank was a frequent visitor with his large family and others. He insisted I see it and wanted to take me in May. As Florida residents we received a discount for a 2 day visit.

We spent the first day enjoying the sights, the rides and the food! Happily there were no long lines because this was off season plus the temperature had yet to become sweltering. I'd have preferred we'd left earlier because I didn't trust Hank's driving in the dark.  -- I've never driven in the dark plus I was unfamiliar with the area. He insisted we remain for the closing fireworks which I must admit were quite spectacular.

Leaving, we were swept along by a fast moving ocean of people all heading toward the parking lot. Hank was pulling me by the hand. His head and chest seemed to be moving faster than his body. I told him to slow down. Suddenly he tumbled forward onto the concrete pulling me down with him! I was only scratched, but Hank was bleeding badly. Waves of people almost literally stepped over us without stopping.

As I was helping Hank to his feet a young man with a heavy French accent hurried over and took his opposite arm. "Over there!" The man pointed toward a bench. Afterward he ran to get help.

I commented to Hank it was sad that among that tremendous group of people, (probably fellow Floridians) only a foreigner came to our aid. Most of the tourists and snowbirds had gone back north.

The young man returned with a nurse who led Hank & me to a medical center. She cleaned and bandaged him. Afterward, Hank phoned his son. They decided we should take a cab to his house. We were given permission by Epcot to leave the car there overnight.

Everyone in the house was in bed asleep but Hank's son. The home was nothing short of palatial, a two-story with 2 wide swirling sets of stairs facing each other. I was given the only bedroom downstairs and it was off the kitchen area. The builder had probably designed for the maid. I would not have minded as long as it was clean. It was NOT!!!

I had to brush the dirt from my feet before getting under the sheets.  And those were absolutely filthy, pieces from other people's bodies clung to mine. (Use your imagination!)It almost made me vomit! Yet the rest of the house was so tidy!

I have two schools of thought on this. Either it was a deliberate attempt to make me feel unwelcome, or one of the kids in this huge Catholic family didn't follow thru on their chores. I was told they had a chore list for each. However, if I was expecting a guest I would have made damn sure the room was clean! The next morning I pulled off those disgusting sheets and pilled them in the center of the bed!

Hank & I went back to enjoy our 2nd day at Epcot. We lunched a Danish cafe. It was open on 3 sides overlooking the water. Tiny birds flew in and around us. Often times we laughed as they stole food right from our hands. It felt like being in the middle of a Disney movie! This was my happiest and favorite memory of Epcot. The one I cherish!

Hank wanted to buy me a souvenir. I told him this was unnecessary, everything there was so expensive! At the China pavilion he spotted beautiful lace fans for $10. This seemed a good value so I chose an azure blue one. I wrapped its plastic bag around it to protect it.

Late afternoon, we left for our return trip. This ensured we'd arrive back in Vero Beach before dark since Hank was at the wheel.

After he dropped me off at home, the first thing I did was to pull off my clothes! Along with my nightgown, I threw everything into the washing machine! Then I took a shower to wash the filth from that room from my body!

Epcot was now a memory and soon Hank would be too.

Several years later I was going thru a drawer and came across that azure blue fan. I unfolded the plastic and removed it from the bag. Despite lack of use the thread was unraveling and it was coming apart. I have 2 other fans I brought in Spain way back in 1977, one in Madrid and the other outside the Alhambra. Both remain in perfect condition.

Recently, I watched the first episode of that new TV show Whiskey Cavalier; I enjoyed it but at the same time didn't care if I ever saw it again. I feel the same about Epcot.

THE LAST TIME I SAW MARGARET

She was my mother's age, but hardly a mother figure. When Mom first met Margaret, she thought she was a member of my generation rather than her own. She certainly looked it! To me, Margaret was like a cool and savvy older sister.

Naturally Margaret wasn’t perfect. She was a chatterbox with a faulty filter. But actually that made her more fun. Of her 4 husbands, 2 were wealthy and 2 were physically abusive. Margaret’s last husband fell into both categories. He gave her a black eye, yet she still loved him. He left her for another woman. She struggled financially after that because he used every trick in the book to avoid alimony! But it wasn’t losing her lifestyle that hurt Margaret most, but her husband’s betrayal.

Her parent’s background was quite a romantic one, the stuff of fiction, but true. Margaret's grandfather owned a factory and was extremely wealthy. His youngest son (Margaret's father) married an older divorced woman with children. He was disinherited and disowned. Margaret's family lived modestly, but comfortably.

After her last divorce, Margaret returned to college late in life. This former professional dancer became an Ophthalmologist. She worked in a lab long enough to ensure a comfortable retirement; but family issues and hardships took a toll on her bank account. Plus Margaret was a spender; she never learned to budget.

With age, comes health issues. A paramedic moved next door and she told him, “If you’re ever called to my house don’t try to save me, I’ve enjoyed a good life and I’m ready to go.” He replied that he couldn’t do that. But I understand how she felt.

The last time Margaret came here was in autumn 2008. She was thinking Retirement Home although she hated the idea. I tried to talk her into one in Vero Beach. It was affordable and had a nature walk. Also I could visit regularly and take her on outings. But Margaret was fearful of living on the coast due to tsunamis. I told this was ridiculous! It was unlikely, and besides this Home wasn't near the ocean.

After she left, I felt depressed for several days after. Usually, I'm happy and eager to resume my regular routine. This time, I knew Margaret would not be coming back this way again.

However, it would not be the last time I saw her! Fast-forward to early May 2009, I was dating Hank and we planned a trip to Epcot. I had never been although I'd visited Disney World back when it first opened. Both were near to where Margaret lived. Hank & Margaret were close in age and had much in common. I had an idea!

Margaret had just broken up with a 90 year old man. She and his daughter didn't get along. (I've been on both sides of that fence!) Like me, Margaret did most of the driving in that relationship. We laughed about this!

Hank's oldest son and family lived in Orlando. Miraculously, Hank frequently drove there without getting into an accident. Plus he often rented a bus and drove seniors on fixed incomes to Disney World or Epcot at his expense. Since I'm terrible with directions, I decided to trust his driving this time. Besides it was during daylight and I would be riding shotgun.

We'd be staying overnight at his son's palatial home, (separate rooms) but first we'd drop by Margaret's so I could introduce them. I told Margaret that if she took a shine to Hank, she could have him.

"You're certainly generous with your men," she replied.

I wasn't in love with Hank so I had no problem with stepping aside. Besides, this was one way to phase out my relationship with him. I was growing more and more anxious to do so.

After we arrived at Margaret's, she came to the door dressed only in a slip. She seemed surprised to see us although I'd spoken with her on the phone the night before. Also she had known for 2 weeks we were coming. We waited outside while she quickly dressed herself.

Previously, she told me there was an Applebee's in the large plaza across from her neighborhood where she sometimes ate. I said I would treat her and Hank. Margaret got into her car to lead the way and we followed. Afterward Hank & I planned to drive straight to Epcot.

After entering the plaza, Margaret stopped and got out of her car. She claimed to be lost. (I started to wonder if she was losing it!) We told her we'd find the restaurant and to follow us.

As we chatted during the meal, Margaret & Hank had even more in common; both were raised in the same Midwestern city, both enjoyed going dancing, and both loved the RV lifestyle.

Afterward, I pointed out to Hank that he and Margaret were a better match! And since he visited Orlando frequently a relationship could work out well!

"Do you really think I'd prefer her to you!" He scoffed at the idea.

"Yes!" I snapped. I pointed out everything they had in common. Hank & I had nothing in common! But he seemed to have an issue with her age. Actually, Margaret was in way better shape physically for her age than he was!

After returning home, I phoned Margaret. She seemed confused. She'd been in an auto accident and felt she had to do something, but didn't know what.

I told her to check herself into the Emergency Room immediately, call 911!

"Remember, I'm a doctor," she replied and vehemently refused. It was useless to argue with her.

I called back the next day and the next few days after and only got her answering machine. Now I was extremely worried!

Eventually, Margaret picked-up the phone. She had been in the hospital. Her daughter was there. Margaret had been diagnosed with dementia, the same disease that had claimed my other stormy-weather friend Pat as well as my stepmother. Both Margaret & Pat had whip-sharp minds before they were stricken so in both cases this was a shock!

The next time I heard from Margaret was a few weeks later. She phoned early in the AM from her daughter's home in another state. "I'm being held against my will!" she declared and wanted to give me the number there.

I had jumped from the shower to answer the phone. I told her to call back in 10 minutes because I was dripping all over my furniture. -- That was the wrong thing to say to a dementia patient! In 10 minutes she probably forgot she ever phoned. I never heard from her again.

I left messages on her answering machine in Florida and also sent numerous letters to that address thinking her daughter would contact me. She didn't! I will never forgive that woman for this! I never learned the fate of my treasured friend.

However, I am certain Margaret has passed away now due to her age, the timeline, and the nature of the illness.

Together, we were just like giggling happy teenagers! Despite our ages, Margaret & I shopped in the Junior Dept. We both loved flashy clothes. On another woman of similar age they would have just looked tacky. But on Margaret with her dancer’s body and regal bearing, you would swear she’d just stepped off a private jet from Paris.

Not only was Margaret a trendy dresser, she was also intelligent, plus a witty and fun personality all rolled into a slim and shapely class act. If I lived for 10,000 years, I would still remember her vividly and miss her.