Barbecues would always start with an impromptu announcement at the table after Sunday morning family breakfast. Mum would begrudgingly agree, knowing the mess my dad can produce in about 20 minutes.
A hug from Mickey Mouse might not be able to make taxes go away, or keep a divorce from hurting, but for a few brief moments, the cartoonish embrace can provide a sense of escapism from the IRS, from heartbreak, and from the claustrophobic pressures of adulthood.
Growing up in South Florida, summer breaks were a blur of pool days, sleepovers, mall trips, and a lot of sleeping in. My days fell into an easy rhythm: I'd roll out of bed around noon, toss on a swimsuit, grab a Diet Pepsi and a granola bar, then flop into a lounge chair by the pool.