On the final day, I just so happened to end up sitting at the same table as Dennis Glover. He is one of the parents of Darius Glover, the Dreamer whom I profiled a couple of days ago. It was so wonderful to get a parent’s perspective regarding both their teen and the Disney Dreamers Academy experience.
It is obvious that Mr. Glover is a proud dad. He shared more about Darius’ accident and optimistic attitude with me. He could only remember one day (his 16th birthday) that Darius ever allowed himself to be “down” regarding his motor cross biking accident that currently has him in a wheelchair. Rather, Darius has been an example and an inspiration to those around him. He hasn’t complained as he has underwent two surgeries resulting in 4 rods and 18 screws in his back. His upbeat attitude has even caused other teen paraplegics to expect more of themselves. Darius does everything - school, work and therapy with a grace and a smile. As he says, “I’m not handicapped. I just can’t walk.”
As a parent, I asked Mr. Glover how he felt when he received the call about Darius’ accident. He started to “well up” as he went back to that time mentally. What was amazing to me was that it was tears of gratitude. (The apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree! Mr. Glover and Darius’ mom Cynthia - whom I met briefly - are both grateful, positive people.) Darius was at a biking competition away from home when he was hurt. As one of only a few African American riders, Darius’ impact on his fellow riders was apparent after his accident. When Mr. Glover arrived at the hospital, he couldn’t find Darius initially because a “sea” of White parents and kids from the biking competition surrounded him. Mr. Glover was so grateful regarding the care that the group showed his son. He acknowledged that his son had taught him to take people as they are and not be caught in the cautious “old school” way of looking at race. (Those same families still keep in touch with Darius though his online activity including this YouTube video.
Disney’s attentive care of Darius over the last few days also moved Mr. Glover. He kept using the term “indescribable” to talk about the Dreamers Academy. He was happy to be able to expose his child to so many powerful, imaginative people. He couldn’t fathom how the program could have possibly given the teens and/or their chaperones more of an incentive to dream. He appreciated the care that was obviously taken in pulling every aspect of the event together. He was especially thankful because he felt that Darius’ selection, as a participant, was a testament to how special Darius is as a person. I agree. After meeting his wonderful parents though, I would also add that Darius being chosen is a testimony to the care that Darius’ parents have shown in raising him! To end, Mr. Glover shared that he ultimately thought that this event would propel the student Dreamers to even higher levels of future success. I agree and am confident that it will.