I wrote my mom a letter today.

This is what it said:

When we went to Disney Land when I was 10, I remember one of the rides, the Jungle Cruise, where you are on a boat on a river like the Amazon.

Part of the ride shows a group of men whose camp was destroyed by the wild animals and a rhino has several of the men scurrying up a pole.

Roger took a picture of that scene.

I really remember that picture, better than just about any of the ones that were taken.

When we went to Florida, we rode their version of the ride and I saw the same rhino with the same men scurrying up the pole.

I tried to get a picture and it wasn’t until today I found out how it turned out.

http://www.teamtj.net/tjcopper/displayimage.php?album=33&pos=296

In my mind it is almost an exact copy of the original. For some reason this picture really takes me back to that trip.

I remember coming home after that trip and telling myself I’d remember every single detail about the trip my entire life.

Well, I think we both know that it was not a realistic thought. I’ve forgotten almost everything about it. Time marches on and life changes perceptions. What I remember, or thought I remembered, is different 24 years later. I remember riding certain rides, but don’t remember the experience of riding those rides. I remember wanting to hold those experiences forever, but I now know the impossibility of doing so.

When I saw that picture today, lots memories opened up and I really remembered a great trip.

I’m sure that my kids vowed to themselves to remember every single detail of our trip. I’m afraid that 24 years from now they’ll be in the same boat I’m in today.

I’m hopeful that with this picture they’ll be able to look back and catch a glimpse of a great vacation the same way I am able to now.

Thank you for creating such a great memory for me.

I just wanted to let you know that I think of you often and miss you all the time.

I love you very much.

Morgan

I’m afraid it will make her cry, especially with the mention of Roger, but I really felt impressed to write that to her.

I hope she understands.