One of my best friends is a photographer on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom.  He has the fun job of interacting with guests and capturing very special photographs of their trip.

He recently told the story of a group he was photographing with a very attractive older woman who was there with her husband, children, and grandchildren.  He was positioned in his favorite spot in the middle of the bridge just before the hub in front of the castle.

As he started to take the photos, the older woman began to tear up.  He stopped to check on her and she shared that she simply could not believe that she had made this moment happen!  Her entire family was together at Walt Disney World, getting their picture in front of the castle!

There may not be a more iconic or important vacation photo than a group standing in front of Cinderella’s castle.  It makes me very happy to know that my friend’s incredible photography and artistic skills are helping guests return home with a fantastic photograph to remember that moment.

Of course, for this woman, this moment also marked the culmination of what was probably years of work and planning.  Getting everyone’s schedules to line up, particularly for a big and important family vacation trip, is a herculean feat!  I cannot imagine the hours that she must have spent in making this moment possible.  And of course, spending time with family on a very special trip is a reward unto itself!

All of this reminded me to be grateful every time a planned event comes to fruition.  Every time I get a group together for a podcast conversation, I stop and am thankful that someone all the schedules lined up and we can share this with our community.  And at the end of a long marching season, with all the planning and construction and rehearsals and sweat and tears, let’s all make sure and take. moment to breath and recognize the astounding feat we just accomplished together!

Don’t forget to take those photographs to remember those moments!  And be grateful for those you took the journey with.