Courtney has always loved the feelings of other people’s hands. More so women’s and young children. She loves soft hands and women with long nails. She connected with Alyssa when she was born because of the baby soft hands.

We just ended a wonderful trip to Mackinac Island where we stayed at the Grand Hotel. Every summer the hotel has a package called Princess and Superhero weekend. For 2 days, princesses and superheroes are at the hotel and put on the most magical experiences for the children. Events included a reception, superhero training, princess tea, makeovers, a ball and capped off by a graduation ceremony where all the children become honorary princesses and superheroes.

Of course Alyssa thought it was all magical. The princesses and superheroes get up close and personal with all the children. They learn their names. They make them feel so special. Alyssa cried as she said goodbye to all of them on the last day.

Then there was Courtney. The first night at the welcome reception she was overwhelmed. She sat in her special stroller where she is most comfortable. I pushed her around to meet each one but she would just let them wave from a far.

She did finally get out of her stroller and she walked up to Wonder Women and Captain America. They were holding their shields. They quietly stood there and held their shields out while she touched them and explored them with her hands. the smiles on their faces were priceless as they watched her slowly warm up to them.

Then she found Anna and Elsa. Her favorites. Elsa just happened to put her hand out and Courtney started feeling them. She started touching her dress. I shared that she loves the feel of hands so then Anna put her hands out. Sure enough, Courtney started touching her hands.

I was then walking around with Alyssa. She was visiting with one of the princesses and Rapunzel walked up to me and asked me the most beautiful question. She asked if there was anything she could do to help connect with Courtney. So I shared how she loves touching hands. Sure enough, as the next 2 days progressed, whenever one of the princesses and superheroes approached her they started off by giving her their hand. she grew comfortable with them and they fell in love with her.

So gentle. So patient. So inclusive. So beautiful and so incredibly magical!

Graduation ceremony was the perfect ending. Elsa came and sat next to her. Elsa sat with her while Courtney touched her hands. Then the magic really happened. She gave Elsa a hug.

I can’t thank this company enough for the amazing 2 days they gave both the girls.