The things we learn from kids
If you have been reading my column you know I can often have a cynical, sarcastic or suspicious opinion about things. If this is the first time you are reading my column, I don’t want you to misunderstand and think I’m some softy – far from it!
Every now and then I get the opportunity to do some fun things. I meet extraordinary people and experience some once-in-a-lifetime events. This week I did both.
Every year, our country’s most reliable airline, Air Canada, (OK, there’s some sarcasm for you, faithful readers) runs a program called Dreams Take Flight. Several cities across Canada make kids’ dreams come true by flying to Disney World in Orlando for the day. Yes, just for the day.
I am all about having a good time, though I will be the first to admit that 135 sugar-filled screaming kids on a plane at 5 a.m. isn’t my idea of a party, but it was actually pretty fun.
A couple weeks ago there was a meet and greet and I got paired up with two 10-year-olds who were going to help me host a special radio broadcast from Florida. They were going to be my travel buddies. It seemed like a good idea when we had production meetings, but let’s face it: why would they want to talk to this goof when Goofy is more famous?
I felt like a parent whose teenager suddenly finds mom and dad uncool. Granted, they weren’t my kids but I realized when you’re in the “happiest place on Earth” standing in one place talking to a strange interviewer probably isn’t the most exciting task for a kid.
Once I put aside the seriousness of my job I was able to let loose and have fun with the kids, chatting about it being their first time on a plane and even leaving Canada. It made me realize I take for granted going on all the trips I do.
I have a pretty cool job that lets me fly all over and experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Maybe it has raised the bar for what I expect for my life.
Hanging out with my new young friends really brought me back down to Earth. They don’t have requirements for staying in swanky hotels or being picked up at the airport in a fancy car. They were happy just to go on an airplane. The juice and cookies after take-off was a bonus for them.
The things we can learn from 10-year-olds, hey?
Check out the fun at dreams.jbonair.com.
