Adrenaline ran through my veins all day, and Disney references spilling out of my mouth like a broken record in a player. No one else accepted my elation, but I on the other hand, had a countdown down for this jaunt as soon as I heard of it in August. As I sat down on the dirty, sweaty gym floor like the rest of the band, I began to process everything that was happening. In 26 hours, 48 minutes, and 28 seconds, according to my countdown, the entire high school band would be in Orlando, Florida. In four days time, our provincial marching band would be featured marching in a parade in the Magic Kingdom of the happiest place on earth!
No one else in the entirety of the marching band was anticipating our five day journey with as much enthusiasm as me. Being the emotionally invested student or “Disney geek” that I unabashedly was, I formulated everything about my luggage; my wardrobe, accessories, even my luggage itself with Disney in the highest magnitude! Although this may sound like the doings of a small juvenile, this was my first independent outing so, I tried to remain as sagacious and mature as possible. I had conveyed my Disney planning book (with an organized itinerary constituted by yours truly), $400 of money to spend, and a plethora of medicines from Advil to a spacer inhaler. Hours ago I had said my last goodbyes, and the commencement of the boarding of the coach buses was in full swing.
My conscience was auspicious towards me, but deep down I felt as if I had forgotten something crucial to the fruition of this expedition. Nevertheless, it was all just paranoia, and I was ready to commence my journey. Excitement was radiating off of me and to my roommates, like the sun’s rays to a photosynthesizing flower. My suitcase and color guard uniform were placed under the coach bus, and before I took the beginning steps onto the bus, I turned behind me to see a comforting familiar face.
My grandmother smiled at me, and as I approached her, she wrapped her arms around me in a comforting embrace. She had came to say her goodbye, and gave me a small paper bag filled with Aspirin, Vicks tissues, a bottle of tea and ginger ale, and a pack of crackers. My grandmother smiled and told me they were to help me rid of my cold so I wasn’t ill and miserable on my first lone trip. Her kindness provided me another reason, besides me missing her on the trip, to give her another hug.