Chapter 4

"Visit with a Disney Employee"

The day that I found out that I would be one of the two narrators at Disneyland began just like any other day. It was just after the start of my final year of my doctorate program and on this particular day, I was in the first of several classes about to take in the daily grind of high level lessons when my class was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Is Kimberly Possible in here?" asked a woman and I stood up to make myself known. "There is someone that needs to see her immediately."

The professor looked over towards me and I nervously got up to make my way down to the person calling me. Gathering my belongings, I followed the woman out of the hall and towards the admissions office. Once I got to the admissions office, I saw a very well dressed woman sitting in the waiting room.

"You must Kimberly Possible?" said the woman, rising to her feet to shake my hand. "I'm Mary Niven, the Vice President of Disneyland Resort."

"Oh, nice to meet you," I said confusingly extending my hand out to shake the woman's hand. "But, if there is something going on in Disneyland that needs my service, then…"

"No, there is nothing in Disneyland that needs your services, Miss Possible," chuckled Mary as she led me out of the admissions office and onto the courtyard Brown's main campus. "As a matter of fact, we have decided to make you one of our narrators for our annual Candlelight Processional this year."

I didn't know whether at that moment to either react subtly or excitedly at this. It seems that nothing could process what was going through my mind right now. Everything seemed to be coming into place in terms of what both Ron and Father Jeffrey said was indeed true, even though I didn't show it at the time.

"Um, I'd be…honored," I replied sheepishly while shrugging my shoulders. "I mean, yes I know that I have been retired for some time now, but this is such a sudden…"

"Believe me, Miss Possible," said Mary. "Nothing would make us all happier than to see someone like you perform the story of Jesus for our guests. Bring your friends and family with you to Disneyland and best of all, they all get in for free."

"That's fantastic!" I remarked, immediately starting to fuss over every single bit of detail that needed to be done. "But, there is really so much to do over the next few months, Miss Niven."

"Don't worry, Miss Possible," chuckled Mary. "Everything will be arranged in due time and rest assured, all you have to do is read the story to our guests and leave the nitty gritty stuff to us. Now, the processional will take place the first weekend in December and it will be cold, so dress accordingly."

But, that was the least of my worries at that moment. Sure, I could have Monique help me with my wardrobe or I could just raid my closet. However, there was something else going through my mind about this process.

"Um, Miss Niven," I asked. "Was there someone in the Disney board of directors who put my name up for recommendation?"

"I put you up for nomination, Miss Possible," answered Mary. "I believe that you have done so much for our world that it is best that we give something back to you. Is there anything you don't like about this decision?"

I then motioned for Mary to follow me over to a quiet spot near an oak tree not far from where we were standing. Once the coast was clear, I said what needed to be said.

"Well, this is all so nice," I remarked. "But, if you don't mind my asking, was there ever a time where you were angry at God for something?"

Mary's eyes widened at this remark that I had made for we were getting into personal territory. In her mind, she was probably thinking that I was just a girl who really should mind her own business. But, she could see the pain that was in my eyes and was genially sympathetic for my feelings.

"I've had my feelings and moments, Miss Possible," she said, clearing her throat. "I wouldn't exactly go into detail, however I can tell you that we can't stay angry at God forever. Part of our mission at Disneyland is to make our guests leave the troubles of the real world behind them and make them feel like they are in a magic kingdom. In fact, that was part of the reason why I joined Disney to begin with."

I couldn't help but feel slightly better at what Mary was telling me. Almost immediately we started to connect with one another as we were both in the same situation where we had our angry moments against God.

"However, there are other reasons why I came to work for Disney, but that is beside the point," said Mary. "All that matters is continuing this tradition that Walt started a half century ago. We will be sending you more details as we get closer."

She then reached into her suit pocket and handed me her business card which was white and had the mickey logo on front.

"If you have any questions, please let me know as soon as possible," she said and after shaking my hand, I watched as Mary departed from the campus. Once Mary was gone, I made my way back to class still trying to digest all that had been fed to me.

…

For the rest of the day, I went about going to the rest of my classes and when I came back later that afternoon, all I could do was sit on the deck of our home and just contemplate what was going on.

"Hey, KP," said Ron as he came onto the deck, breaking my train of thought. "Heard you were nominated to narrate the Candlelight Processional."

I turned around in complete surprise as Ron had somehow found out about me getting the nomination along with Beau Bridges.

"How did you know about that?" I remarked.

"It was the talk of the news," replied Ron, sitting next to me. "Trust me, everyone is looking forward to seeing you perform in the Processional. But, you don't seem too excited about it, Kim."

"I am excited Ron," I said. "But, was this really what Father Jeffrey was telling me to do in order to get back on God's good terms?"

"It looks that way, KP," said Ron. "But, only time will tell if it is all but true. For now, let's just take it one day at a time."

So, after sitting out on the deck for a brief period of time, Ron and I headed back into the house and settled in for the night. But, even though it was only late August going on early September, the preparations were already underway…