When You Wish Upon A Star. . .

Yes, I am That Girl; the one who scoured the woods looking under leaves and rocks for frog princes. When I found them I would kiss and kiss them some more, wishing and hoping they would transform in front of my very eyes into Prince Charming. Having grown up on classic Disney fairy tales I distinctly remember believing that it was possible.

From my earliest memories fairy tales have shaped my view on the world. I can remember standing outside of OLQM in Detroit staring up at the first twinkling stars in the early night sky and wishing with all my might, "Star light star bright first star I see tonight. I wish I may I wish I might get the wish I wish tonight." I closed my eyes and asked for a tabby kitten. I doubt I would have done that if I hadn't believed Jiminy Cricket. A few years later after moving to Greenville my grandmother brought me to the side of the road where I resued a little tabby kitten, Tiger. I had kept that secret wish to myself and yet it came true. From that moment on I never doubted a wish made upon a star.

Classic fairy tales were and still are my favorite. Give me Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, or Cinderella any day. I have several versions of the books and movies. I couldn't seem to get enough of them. But then again, I have always been a traditionalist. I have always wanted to find my Prince Charming. I have always wanted the big "Cinderella dress". I have always wanted a white picket fence. Sometimes I would find it hard to believe that it could happen to me, but I never once doubted that true love existed: not once.

Then along came an adventure. It really is amazing how much my life has mirrored the fairy tale story arch. I came of age and left my home on a grand adventure, leaving everything behind to find myself in a whole new world. And then when I least expected it love managed to find me. When you strip away the castles and evil nemesis you are left with a reality even more wonderful than any tale that could be told. Why? Because for the first time the tale becomes real. I became the heroine and the frog prince magically transformed into the fraternity brother across the poker table... and it hit me like a hurricane. (Please forgive the cliche.) Everything I had been dreaming of and waiting for and wishing on stars for was possible. Because I realized that he was set on this earth as a gift just for me. He is my other half. And even though he may not wear a golden crown he is Prince Charming.

I think Disney was on to something. Hope: and an eternal truth more wonderful than I could have imagined.

The second star to the right
Shines in the night for you
To tell you that the dreams you plan
Really can come true
The second star to the right
Shines with a light that's rare
And if it's Never Land you need
It's light will lead you there
Twinkle, twinkle little star
So I'll know where you are
Gleaming in the skies above
Lead me to the one who loves me
And when you bring him my way
Each time we say "Goodnight"
We'll thank the little star that shines
The second from the right
~ Peter Pan