Finally it was here! It was written down with exclamation marks in the calendar for several months. We got to see our friend Guus in the real world for the first time. And that too at Ella-Marie's favorite place: the Efteling!
Early morning
The alarm clock was set relatively early, but the eager children
were already ahead of the monstrosity (who even invents such a
thing as an alarm clock...). The theme park continues to amaze and
each time a visit energizes. The preparations were already made, as
always this summer we had a raincoat and poncho with us and the
tablets for in the car (THAT are genius inventions) were charged
and ready to go.
Driving totally zen on the Antwerp ring road is only possible on a
Saturday or Sunday morning. Spotify provided some background music
and the car's adaptive cruise control did the rest.
During the drive, big plans were already being made. "First in this
attraction, then in the next one. And oh yeah, we have to see that
one, too!"
Hug to a stranger
We had agreed to meet at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance to the
Efteling. Exactly 2 minutes later than planned, the car was parked
right in front of the entrance. Quickly getting the wheelchair
ready and running towards the entrance.
And there we saw Guus for the first time.
What a beautiful little guy! He approached Ella-Marie completely uninhibited and gave her a big hug. Immediately stories were told, questions were asked and tricks with the left arm were shown.
You would think that we adults would be a little more reserved at a first meeting, but nothing was further from the truth. In front of us were Marjan and Hugo, Guus' parents, who gave us so much courage, experience and help. Physically still unknown, but since more than half a year oh so important in our lives. The hug to a stranger then was actually more the feeling of hugging someone you hadn't seen for a while ... but who was so familiar.
Guus' brother and sister were also there. The first thing that stood out? Those Dutch are REALLY tall anyway. With a firm handshake from Lars and a big hug from Maud the day got off to a good start.
Tour of the Efteling
It had been more than 5 years for our Northern friends to visit the theme park. Ella-Marie and Olivia were therefore only too happy to give us a guided tour. And even before we could hand in our tickets at the entrance, we received a friendly greeting from big hero Pardoes. A sign from heaven that we should start at the relatively new attraction "Symbolica". The very wheelchair-friendly attraction allows us to board in peace and quiet on a separate track. Even when exiting, the attraction switches to an alternate stop a little faster than usual, allowing everyone to exit quietly.
Those who have ever been to the Efteling are in all likelihood familiar with the Droomvlucht. That is secretly our favorite attraction. Last time, Ella-Marie and mom or dad got to wear 3D glasses and headphones. This allowed us to travel with the real carts. After all, you have to be able to step into the attraction by yourself and that was not possible in May. But of course we are a few months further and a proud Ella-Marie stepped at the hand of daddy very resolutely towards the trolley. You could see from everything that the ride was special to her. Even a little closer than usual, she pushed against daddy and with a big smile admiringly talked about the beautiful castles, fairies and trolls.
Meanwhile, it became clear that Maud is a very sweet big sister. The girls among themselves kept talking and cuddling. And friend Guus? In between the obligatory wheelchair moments he happily walked around. Incredible to see how strong that boy is. Sometimes there was even some running. Something we with Ella-Marie can only dream of at the moment.
After Vila Volta (also known as "the spinning house"), it was time for something more challenging. We hiked toward the first real rollercoaster: the Vogelrok. Wheelchair patients were also thought of here. Lars and Maud seemed particularly happy. The ride on the roller coaster takes about 1 minute and 40 seconds with a top speed of 65 kilometers per hour. It is not yet the fastest in the park, but the first "kick" was behind them.
After Carnival Festival, with that very familiar tune that
always stays in your head, we headed for Ruigrijk. An over head and
screw in the Python? CHECK! In the air and on the water with "the
Flying Dutchman"? CHECK! The fastest roller coaster in the park
(Joris and the Dragon at 75 kilometers per hour)? CHECK! And
falling straight down in the Baron? CHECK!
Despite their physical limitations, Guus and Ella-Marie are real
daredevils!
Never give up
It was getting later and a short break was needed. A very important appointment was still scheduled. The obligatory Efteling-Unox sandwich was eaten heartily. We were all seated very close together at a small table. Coincidence or not, but the fixed benches were placed in such a way that 2 wheelchairs fitted perfectly. Were chronologically still on the bucket list: Fata Morgana, Max and Moritz, Fabula and finally the (always very wet) Pirana.
After a few hundred meters from the picnic area, however, we came across the roller coaster "Max and Moritz." And even better news: only a few minutes of waiting time! But before we board, let's go back to a few months ago.
Mid-May. The surgery is 2 months behind us and Olivia gets an Efteling two-day trip as a communion gift. Ella-Marie really wanted to go to Max and Moritz, but then was told she had to climb the stairs herself. Calling this attraction wheelchair accessible would be too much of a good thing so. There were a few tears then, but we then used the negative feeling as encouragement. "If you try your hardest in Pulderbos, next time you can do the stairs yourself and you can go on the rollercoaster!". And we can assure you: she really practiced hard!
Back to the present. We speak to the employee at the front of
the park. "Of course I want to let you in through the wheelchair
entrance. Can she climb the stairs by herself?" Super proud and
with a big smile, Ella-Marie herself replies, "yes, she can."
After some turning we arrive at a closed door. We press the bell
and again a lady comes to open the door. "Can you climb the stairs
by yourself?" and we assure her that we can. Ella-Marie gets out
and uses the handrail to get up step by step. The large wooden
steps actually make it even easier. Like all other attractions, we
do feel several people watching. Ella-Marie does not yet step
gracefully, but she moves forward smoothly by hand. We stand in
front of the trolley, whose step is higher than a normal step.
Parents who have taken their younger child to the rollercoaster
before know this all too well. So Papa Pieter takes hold of
Ella-Marie and puts her in the rollercoaster.
"This is not allowed. She has to get in by herself". A moment of
silence. "What do you mean?" "She has to get into the cart herself,
otherwise she won't be allowed in." Our northern neighbors are
relatively articulate, so I leave Belgian political correctness
aside for a moment. "You said she had to climb stairs and be able
to step up to the attraction, which all worked out." Still,
Ella-Marie had to prove it herself.
Meanwhile, all eyes were on us. Both the people on the rollercoaster and those waiting at the gates. Ella-Marie was panicking. When she tried to get off by herself, it took longer than usual ... and we were asked to leave.
A huge feeling of helplessness, frustration and anger surfaced. The previous months and the surgery all passed by in a split second. Ella-Marie immediately began to weep hard. My words toward the lady are not to be repeated, but we walked away from the roller coaster and soon the focus turned to Ella-Marie.
For the first time in a long time, we saw a fragile and sad
little face. She was feeling REALLY bad. "Daddy, why? I really did
my best. Am I not good enough?"
When writing, bad feelings still bubbled up. All the "big people"
rollercoasters were allowed without a problem, but a children's
attraction was refused. Twice we were checked and were able to
answer their questions positively. Despite everything, Ella-Marie
was not allowed to go.
Yet a sense of determination returned. "Ella-Marie, you have already shown so many people how strong you are. Every day we marvel at how well and how firmly you carry on. If one time things get tough at the physiotherapist, remember this moment. Keep on fighting and never give up. Never!
Another great quote from Hugo: "Our children may have half their brains, but at least they use them."
Focus on the positive
It took a while, but Ella-Marie became her cheerful self again. Guus and the gang were very understanding and focused with us on the great day we already had. Thanks in part to a wonderful lady at the Fata Morgana, our confidence even returned. The attendant knew how briskly Ella-Marie could step onto the revolving floor. With a kind smile and a big thumb, she immediately made our daughter feel good.
And that good feeling continued throughout the evening. A 4D
movie of "Klaas Vaak," with special wheelchair-adapted
accommodations; we actually already know by heart. But the
experience is always nice. And finally we went to the Pirana.
By the way, sister Olivia also learned something. A poncho also has
a hood. Which is extremely useful to put on before ending up in a
waterfall. If you don't... you get COMPLETELY wet. It made for
tremendous laughter and completed a wonderful day.
At 10 p.m. the park closed. Had it been open any longer, we
would still be sitting there now with our friends. The family from
far away Enschede is a warm family. They too have a backpack with
them for the rest of their lives. In it are both very negative and
positive experiences.
Guus is a brave little guy. Like Ella-Marie, he will continue to
explore, rejoice and improve half the world he sees. Because they
may both only have half a brain, the compensation is in the heart,
the perseverance and the love of others for them.
Keep going dear fighters. And thank you for everything.