Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as
there is imagination left in the world. ~ Walt Disney
In a testament to the bond of friendship, Chantel Carriere
has maintained her devotion to Shayla through a series of actions that speak
volumes on what they shared together. I was touched deeply by what she has created in memory of her best friend.
In October 2012, Chantel and her family embarked on a Disney
adventure to California. They had been before and were returning with a
different purpose. As Shayla’s best friend, Chantel and she had grown up
together they formed a sisterhood pact in a sacred ceremony; where they vowed
to be “Friends Forever…Even longer.”
In honouring Shayla and The Heart Pebble Movement, Chantel
and her mom, Rene used part of their time in Disneyland to disperse pebbles all
over the park, in a safe manner. In doing so, they also shared in my daughters
memories.
While vacationing at Disney, Chantel had a sparkling piece
of fool’s gold that she would place in detailed areas and capture the moment
through her camera lens. This was one she treasured and kept close to her
heart. The other pebbles were also set upon specific locations, then released in
however way that seemed right. From the inside of Mr. Toad’s mouth to
overlooking Pixie Hollow, a trail of cherished pebbles was now left behind
along with their footsteps.
As I received each brilliant photograph, I saw the love that
was connected with every image. The picture of Snow
White and Seven Dwarfs contained the shining gold, perched upon a railing.
Another showed in the Princess area, the fool’s gold with beauty and lush
foliage, overlooking a stream. It is interesting to note this gemstone holds
the energy of fire and earth element.
One of my favourites is the image of a pebble balanced on a fence,
with the dazzling lights casting back, off the water of the California
Adventure Park. Mickey Mouse’s face surrounded by a rainbow array of
illumination, balances the glow of Paradise Pier.
In admiring these pictures, I have to also pay respect to a
man who believed in a mouse. A visionary with a stunning imagination, his
legacy was to bring radiance to the darkness. Walt Disney continues to surround
us with his dreaming and offers us a place where lost childhoods can be
rediscovered.
Through what two young girls forged long ago, Chantel
continues to let the magic of Disney unite what she and Shayla shared… into a
bridge of healing and light.
By T .L Alton
