Spirit Magazine - May 2014 - (Page 90)

in Paul's eyes as he asked Scott if he would place Laura's ashes somewhere inside the carousel. Scott immediately thought of the unfinished Somewhere Else wall, and suddenly it took on another, even more meaningful purpose. Shortly thereafter, Paul held a "remembrance" for Laura inside the carousel building. People gathered to talk about the Laura they had loved. Then Scott ran the carousel, gradually increasing its speed, and people's expressions began to change from sad to notso-sad. Since then Scott has done a dozen memorials, including one for Dolphin and Mermaid's old friend, Erin, who had cerebral palsy. Each time, people leave in a similar state as those who'd come to remember Laura. Your weekend adventure. An escape from the nine to five. Where emails are set aside, memories are captured, and exploration is rekindled. Leading you toward hidden gems, new favorites, sights that paint a picture and sounds that tell a story. Here's to fun, discovery and freedom. At a place that makes it all possible. to plan your Omaha weekend "It's true," he says. "It's what happens when people come in mourning but get to remember their loved ones in a place of joy. The animals, the motion of the carousel, the ride itself seems to alleviate their pain. When they leave, they're not happy, but they're thinking of that loved one in a different way." Along with Laura's ashes, the wall now contains all sorts of other mementos. Last month, Scott held a party for donors, and he invited several Nederland children to place mementos like photos and drawings inside the wall. He invited Hollis and the rest of our family and asked each one of us to contribute something of meaning. While the wall provides a passage to Somewhere Else, so of course does the carousel. Inspired by a music box, created by a man who saw more than his share of horrors and who "isolated" with his animals to a woodshop, the Carousel of Happiness is the epicenter of my daughter's childhood. And so the story begins again. My opinionated little girl sits on Mermaid, and I, on Dolphin. Scott hits the brass gong that signals the animals are ready. He turns the 100-year-old crank on the timeworn machine that starts the carousel. We spin around and around, past the signs saying, "Don't forget to wave!" "Have fun!" and "Smile!" And we do. National Magazine Award winner Tracy Ross is the author of The Source of All Things, a Things true story of love, outdoor adventure, and family abuse. O magazine named the book one of its "Memoirs We Love." http://www.VisitOmaha.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - May 2014

Spirit Magazine - May 2014
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
Beef up broccoli (the vegan way)
Bunk over in Kennebunkport
Encourage creativity in the workplace
Wise Guide
Strengthen your sense of humor
Numbers
Lengthen locks
Learn a minty-fresh fact
Business
Uncover indie e-books
Share with strangers
The Art of the Veer
The Carousel of Happiness
Your Adventure In Providence
Promotional Series: Spirit of California
Promotional Series: Spirit of New Mexico
Calendar
Find fun on the fly
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
Sit down with Sarah McLachlan
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - May 2014