Disney World is an exciting place for most kids, because they get to see their favorite characters come alive. For some children, character meet-and-greets are the most incredible thing in the world.
This was certainly the case for one young boy last October. The adorable toddler, who has cerebral palsy, was filmed meeting Winnie the Pooh – and the interaction between the pair is enough to melt our hearts.
Parents of disabled children are all too familiar with the awkwardness that strangers can often show when they’re introduced to their child. Many people, even adults, don’t know how to communicate with a special needs child. They’re afraid to do the wrong thing, to upset the child or offend the parents in some way.
But it rarely takes a lot to show a disabled child that you acknowledge them and know just how special and loved they are. Whoever was beneath the Winnie the Pooh costume was spot on with his approach in caring for the little boy.
In the video, which was filmed at the Crystal Palace’s character breakfast in Magic Kindgom, Pooh bear is grinning down at his younger friend, stroking his hair and making him feel comfortable while the little boy smiles back up at him.
Pooh eskimo-kisses the little boy, holds his hand, and lets him kiss his nose. In the two minute interaction, he gives the child his complete attention. And the little boy is clearly loving it, which makes the interaction all the more touching.
The video was initially shared to Facebook by the little boy’s mom, Jessie Barber. Alongside the post, she wrote:
“For those of you who have disabled children [you] know the feeling when people look but aren’t sure how to interact with your kiddo. This Winnie the Pooh melted my heart and knew exactly what to do! He spent 10+ minutes with our little guy and he loved every second of it. Thank you Pooh!”
The video quickly went viral, hitting 640,000 views and counting. It was shared more than 641,000 times, and people tagged their friends and shared their thoughts on how precious the moment is.
One person commented:
“If only people knew how full of love these special babies are. They give joy to those of us who love them from the time they enter this world. By this gesture from this special pooh they made a memory both pooh and that will be etched on their hearts forever.”
Someone else shared the sentiment, writing:
“Oh my God, my heart, nearly brought me to tears! Having a disabled child must be so difficult on the parents, I can’t even possibly imagine. But just look at that little boy, so happy and filled with joy and all Winnie the Pooh had to do was show him a little attention. Got to be the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in years.”
It certainly is a beautiful interaction, and Jessie should feel incredibly proud to have such a charming young son. Cerebral palsy affects movement, skills and muscle tone, and is the most common motor disability in children. While this young boy may not be able to run around as freely as his friends, he can still enjoy hanging out with some of his favorite movie characters – as this video shows.
If you’re in a suitable location to shed a tear, you have to watch the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Child with special needs has moment with Winnie the Pooh
WATCH this TOUCHING MOMENT between a boy with special needs and Winnie the Pooh at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.
Posted by KUTV 2News on Monday, 21 October 2019
Source: Facebook, Facebook, CDC
