Florida is more than escape from the Canadian winters for my family and I. Immersing ourselves in “unreality” is both survival mode and upholding a promise.

When our premature son lay dying in plastic box, he was so sick we couldn’t touch him for fear that it might disrupt his last, fragile intravenous line. Torran lacked energy and barely opened his eyes. His skin was an awful yellow-grey colour. Wires and medical devices swamped his tiny, skeletal body.

We sat with this precious child promising that if he came home, we would give him the best life possible for as long as he lived.

Just come home.

After a lengthy hospital stay, and more than one fatality scare, Torran came home. And after hours and hours of hard work and therapy, he’s thriving and enjoying life.

Over the trip I wondered why people flock to places like Disney World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in droves. Do we want to remortgage our houses to buy more mass produced paraphenelia? Do we revel in masochistic joy as we stand for ages in lines?

What is it we’re trying to find that we can’t find at home?

The answer, I’ve concluded, is the wonderment of magic.

As children, life was full of the stuff. Our imaginations ran wild with monsters, being empowered by special abilities, and frolicking in worlds of make-believe. As adults, we chase the dreams that routine life easily hides from us. Nothing about the pencil-pushing 9 to 5 creates that same joie de vivre (unless you’re lucky enough to work in a creative sector).

I explained to Torran why we interact with costumed characters as if they are the people they represent. If it weren’t for our reactions, then that cast member would just be someone wearing a mask or make-up. When we let ourselves give into the illusion, we are the magic.

Our inner child rejoices because they’re allowed to play again. For the tiniest moment, we believe that we can fly if we have happy thoughts; that we can wish upon star and achieve our heart’s desire; that silly words make the most fabulous things happen.

For those moments, we ignore the pain of the past and the troubles of the future. And why shouldn’t we?

Reality forces it’s way down our throats every day. Trauma greets us within morning headlines. We feel the heartache of misfortunes around the globe. Joy gets lost, and our sense of magic squashed.

Wrapping yourself in magic boosts health. We smile a brighter and appreciate joyousness more. Magic soothes the soul. Whether you’re in a theme park or your back yard, playing with your imagination is what makes a good life.

Which also leads me to a debt of thanks: Thank you to the family, friends, fans, and well-wishers who donated to Bruce’s Run Disney Princess Half Marathon in support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This charity brings real magic to people’s lives, like giving parents the chance to stay in the hospital with a sick or dying child. Thank you for helping us raise more than $5200 US!!

Now if you’ll excuse me, Torran has built a coaster park with his K’Nex set in our basement and it’s time for the official ribbon cutting ceremony to declare Canyon Lake Roller Coaster Park open for business.