Thousands flock at Magic Kingdom Saturday night to remember those lost. Photo courtesy Seth Kubersky
You may call me…keeper…for I am the keeper of theme park tales
Obviously my tale today is the same somber one as everyone else’s in our small community of theme park fans. I was moved tremendously by the “heart” pictures coming from the entertainment, and theme park communities that Erik reported on earlier in the week. I wept when seeing the outpouring of love from the familiar people and locations across all the parks. Everyone speaking with one loving voice. A wand vigil to a fallen wizard. Tributes across Facebook and beyond.
Although I don’t know most of these people I consider them friends. It makes my heart swell to see them come together to do what they do best…make us smile. Several Universal Team members and Disney Cast Members were murdered, so the love and support from the theme park community is all the more appropriate.
I think these pictures are a lasting tribute to the community and a lasting memory of love conquering hate. An example of how even when you think you are helpless, that you can do something positive to help.
I’d like to propose another.
Dale Carnegie once said “A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”
This is true is sales, guest service and just plain ole living life like a human being.
The power of using someone name… It could be argued that a persons name is the most important word in their world. By using their name you elevate them, give them power, make them feel important and loved.
I’d like to challenge you, my friends, to consider this and NEVER MENTION THE MURDER’S NAME AGAIN. Do not let him become infamous like Ted Bundy or John Wayne Gacey or Charles Manson. Never give him the power, let his name be forgotten to history. Let our tales to our children be about love, tolerance and acceptance let our stories be about the lives of friends and loved ones. Let the stories of love drown out those of hatred and prejudice. Let us teach by our words and actions.
Let the names we give strength and power to be:
Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34
Stanley Almodovar III, 23
Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20
Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22
Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36
Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22
Luis S. Vielma, 22
Kimberly Morris, 37
Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30
Darryl Roman Burt II, 29
Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32
Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21
Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25
Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35
Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50
Amanda Alvear, 25
Martin Benitez Torres, 33
Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37
Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26
Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35
Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25
Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31
Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26
Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25
Miguel Angel Honorato, 30
Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40
Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32
Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19
Cory James Connell, 21
Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37
Luis Daniel Conde, 39
Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33
Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25
Jerald Arthur Wright, 31
Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25
Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25
Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24
Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, 27
Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33
Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49
Yilmary Rodriguez Sulivan, 24
Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32
Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28
Frank Hernandez, 27
Paul Terrell Henry, 41
Antonio Davon Brown, 29
Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24
Akyra Monet Murray, 18
Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25
One Orlando-One World
keeper
