There is a tale as old as time where two unlikely people
meet and through a series of circumstances end up loving one another. This is
Disney’s finest story line and one we have grown to swoon at because really,
who doesn’t appreciate true love’s story? Perhaps the greatest clash of opposing
worlds is found in the story of Beauty and the Beast. We all know the tale;
full of enchantment, apprehension, determination, and ultimately love. We draw
parallels to this story when we see couples in appearance or personalities that
remind us of Belle and the “Beast” but in my parallel story Belle is a toddler
and the Beast is not under a spell but the kind of love that bloomed is greater
than any romantic love could compare to – I’d like to invite you to my guest on
this brief story but long journey…
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl named Myah, she
was just over a year old and had already faced Gaston-esque challenges when she
found herself in what her young mind would view as an enchanted castle. She had
been there before, as a matter of fact she was very familiar with her
surroundings but now it was different, now the castle was her home. The Beast
had prepared her wing by adorning it with pink walls, white furniture, and
colorful toys and books…. so many books. He wanted her to love being there; to
feel comfortable and safe and to learn and grow and thrive. But she was timid;
afraid of his large stature, deep voice, and commanding presence so she avoided
him. He tried talking to her, playing with her, even just sitting next to her
but she wouldn’t be persuaded.
Finally, the Beast had an idea. Knowing Myah loved the soda
machine located in the castle dungeon he began his invitation to connect by announcing his desire for "pop" and she would watch carefully from the top of the stairs while he retrieved the soda by putting the money
in, pushing the button, and cheering when the can appeared. Eventually she was brave enough let him carry her as
they descended the stairs together with the promise of her inserting coins,
pushing the button, and watching the can roll out. It had worked; this chance
encounter became a daily ritual they looked forward to – both realizing there
was something there that wasn’t there before.
Over the years the Beast and his Belle forged an unbreakable
bond born of sheer determination and the help of a seemingly enchanted soda
machine. He fiercely protected her while giving her freedom to become who she
was always meant to be and if she ever wants to look back and remember, she
just has to gaze into the mirror of a lifetime of memories he carries just for
her. The happily ever after in this tale
comes not only because he had saved her but she had saved him too proving that
the love between a daughter and her Daddy is far better than any Fairy Tale.
