Erin in Neverland: My Adventure with Tink

Dangling her legs

practicing to

fly like Tink

This is a different kind of post for me this week. Unlike other weeks, I am going to tell you all a story.

For those of you who do not know my mother she has this fascination with becoming Tinkerbell at Disney World and “flying” down the zip line from Cinderella’s castle. This is on top of her past desires of being a dead body on CSI, being in the Olympics on the luge, being a back-up “booty dancer” in concert and countless other endeavors that lead to a very imaginative childhood. Since I’ve started my blog all she has asked is for me to take her with me to Planet. Yes, to workout. Yes, to feel the gym environment and get fit (not that she needs it) but most importantly, to be a character in my blog.

When I came down the stairs this morning dressed and ready to hop in the car and run my heart out, the first thing out of my mom’s mouth wasn’t good morning but, “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU!” How could I say no? I just knew I was signing myself up for an experience.

So what happened?

• “You know, I was always raised, and raised you girls, to always think that less is more. Except when it comes to hot fudge. And jelly beans…”
• After our run we headed to the stretch. She grabs a stability ball and with her headphones still in, “IS IT OKAY TO PUT THIS ON THE GLASS?”
• Realizing she just yelled out to the entire gym, “Oops…”
• Background: Whenever my dad and brother hear any and all Metallica songs on the radio they both have this habit if yelling out, “METALLICA!” This is a habit that rubbed off onto my mom. Knowing that she can’t yell it out to the whole gym she quietly whispers, “METALLICA!” with a huge smile on her face and throwing her hands in the air.
• At age 51, still rocking it out harder than me.

My mom has faced and overcome so many obstacles in her life. She has had countless surgeries that baffle doctors, is a cancer survivor, the most stubborn and determined woman I have ever known, and a woman I can look to for inspiration as I struggle and strive to be a healthier me. That throughout chronic aches, pains and moments where you just want to give up, fight. So Mom, not only were you a character, but you were my whole post. I love you!