Monday, March 20, 2017

Music, Memories, Tears



Beauty and the Beast


In the early 90's I took my mother to MGM Studios Orlando at Walt Disney World. At that time MGM was in a partnership with Disney and the Hollywood Themed park had MGM's name on it. This would be my mom's last trip to Disney. Growing up in Florida over the years I went to the different Disney Parks in Orlando more times than I can count. 

The trip to MGM Studios Orlando was to be a very special trip. My mother was ill from diabetes and not long after this trip, she would have the first surgery to amputate her left leg. While at the park one of our favorite lands was the animation studio. We went on Mother's Day and because they were behind on production there were animators working on "Beauty and the Beast" on a Sunday. In the exhibit at that time, you would watch a short film about the history of Disney animation and then walk through a second level observation floor that looked down over the animation studio. I was so excited about watch the artists work on Chip (teacup) that we stayed in the observation area as three different tours came through. 

When the movie was released I took my mom to see it and we reminisced about watching some of Chip and  Mrs. Pott's scenes being drawn. This was the last Disney animated film I saw with my mom. 

This past weekend I went to see the new live-action "Beauty and the Beast". I wonder what the lady in the seat next to thought when I started to tear up the first time Chip came on screen. As the music played for "Be Our Guest" I openly wept. It was a reminder that music and the heart connect and hearing the soundtrack took me back to seeing the original movie with my mom and how much I miss her at times. 

As I sit here and write this entry the tears are flowing. Thank You, Disney, for bringing back some heartfelt memories of my mom. 


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