It Was Another Moment of Magic at GiGi’s

This past Saturday, GiGi’s hosted “Moment of Magic”. It was the fourth time that we welcomed this group from Iowa City into the Playhouse over the past two years.

Each time this group comes, they live up to the “Magic” that they promise – the presence of these beloved characters that come-to-life in our Playhouse brought true Magic, filling it with smiles and warmth. And happily, they gave our families much more than a “Moment” of joy and adventure – the memories that they gave our families are always long-lasting.

But for me, the most beautiful memory won’t be the interaction I witnessed of a child with Down syndrome engaging with a Princess from a magical kingdom, with a young woman with long hair that escaped from her tower, or with Andy’s favorite toy Sheriff. My memory will be of a Magic Maker – one of the many Moment of Magic assistants that accompany the well-known characters to each event.

You see, one of our participants with Down syndrome came to the Moment of Magic event with an older brother who wasn’t as excited to be there as his little sister was. He sat off to the side to be by himself. But one of the Magic Makers made a point to sit with him and make him feel like a welcome part of the morning. It took a while, but he eventually joined the group and enjoyed himself. It was sweet and touching.

It reminded me how important every member of the Moment of Magic team is.  Without realizing it, that Miracle Maker helped make GiGi’s Playhouse be what we want it to be — a place where everyone is celebrated are welcome; a place to be enjoyed by everyone.  And that’s about as perfect as a place as you could hope for.

We are so thankful to Moment of Magic for paying us this visit and we look forward to having them back again.