By Carrie Berk
Dumbo is my quarantine hero. And Pochahontas … and Bambi … and a slew of other iconic Disney characters, for that matter.
Coronavirus has undoubtedly turned my world upside down. Case in point: my noon wake-up alarm and 2 a.m. iPhone “Night Shift” setting.
Ever since lockdown began, I’ve tried my best to trudge through unknown waters, often finding myself submerged and saddened. But, amid the chaos, I’ve discovered an escape, a sweet and sentimental silver lining to my monotonous days: Disney movie nights with my mom.
Every evening between 8 and 10, we cuddle up on the couch in warm blankets and robes, making our way through every Disney movie made to date. No phones are in sight — just the two of us, my head lying on her shoulder, while hers rests gently on top.
As princesses and singing animals face twists and turns in their stories, she squeezes my hand to signify her excitement. I remain captivated, my eyes glued to the screen and volume blasting as Honey Bunches of Oats (my favorite movie night treat) crunches in my ear.
We hold our applause until the very end, clapping our hands together wildly when the credits roll on the large plasma TV.
One night, while watching Dumbo and Mrs. Jumbo part ways, she repeatedly kissed me on the forehead, a subtle reminder of just how lucky we are to have each other right now.
Indeed, in the absence of large-scale gatherings, I’ve made it my mission to cherish small yet magical moments, as they always manage to restore a smile and make me feel whole again.
These experiences, which I refer to as the tiny “golden nuggets” of my everyday, don’t stop at movie nights. I revel in rides to the beach in the convertible with my dad; the wind blows hair into my eyes, and blonde strands often obscure the road ahead of me, yet as we belt out classic rock tunes on the radio, he and I see each other crystal clear.
I also cherish daily dog walks to my uncle’s house, a 7 p.m. stroll so we can recount the details of our day from 6 feet apart.
I appreciate family dinners at our favorite outdoor restaurant, the smell of blossoming garden flowers on the café’s patio confusing my senses while a fresh plate of seafood salad wafts under my nose.
Some of the most fulfilling moments over the past few months have even been spent in solitude, like when I’m accelerating against resistance in a Peloton class, or drifting off to sleep with my dreams running wild (rewatching “Alice in Wonderland” has certainly ignited my imagination).
Before the pandemic arose, my “normal” was cramming for school exams, window shopping with friends, and traveling to L.A. for work every few weeks. The new routine, a strange and involuntary lifestyle shift, threw me off from the beginning of the outbreak — I felt anxious, frustrated and fearful of the future.
In fact, I didn’t acknowledge, until recently, just how fortunate I am. Quarantine has brought me closer to both my family and myself: With more time on my hands, I’ve been forced to reevaluate what matters most, and for that, I’m forever thankful.
Although the world is “working through the unimaginable” (“Hamilton” on Disney+ still lingers), without COVID-19, I may not have fully recognized the importance of keeping my parents close, as well as the unquestionable right to self-care. With my 18th birthday quickly approaching, the timing couldn’t have been better: New responsibilities lie straight ahead, yet the champions of my childhood sit firmly in my back pocket to always ground me to my roots.
Watching the classic Disney flicks has instilled me with several life lessons I may have forgotten amid my busy, pre-pandemic days.
Take Hercules, for example: His unwavering courage and strength have inspired me to strive rather than shudder when taking on lengthy 5K runs along the beach. Or Tarzan and Jane: Their complicated romance transformed into happily ever after, compelling me to stay in touch with my long-distance crush through frequent FaceTime calls.
When Absolem the Caterpillar from “Alice in Wonderland” asked the heroine, “Who are you?” I pondered the same query, as I’m still discovering my own path at the cusp of adulthood. I’ve also learned from Dumbo: Watching tiny teardrops stream down his cheeks as his mother was placed behind bars showed me how important it is to hold on to those I love.
As the coronavirus outbreak continues, the world I once knew seems to drift further and further into the distance, yet the Disney fantasies I grew up on have never hit closer to home.
I’ve come to the conclusion that the life I’m living now — carefully regulated, with mask-only outings and socially distant friend visits — isn’t so bad after all. Sure, I may not be attending college in person or going on summer vacation, but I do have long sunset strolls with my 7-year-old Havanese. I have the luxury of sitting at my computer in PJs, writing to my heart’s content.
And, most importantly, I can show my parents just how much I love them by spending practically every hour by their side.
Dumbo would definitely be jealous.
Carrie Berk is a 17-year-old Southampton resident, bestselling author, actress and social media influencer. You can find her on social media @carrieberkk.
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