I just found out about your program and I think this is great. So I didn't have a pin to give her.

I was at Disneyland last Christmas with my sister, who is confined to a wheelchair. We came in just to see some shows, parades and fireworks. Teri was assigned to guard the handicapped viewing area. It was her job to make sure only wheelchairs and their party could sit in this area.

We arrived at the area about 45 minutes before the parade, so we were the first ones there. Teri welcomed us with a greeting and a genuine smile. She chatted with us and told us about the shows we should see. She chatted with all the people in the area and even got us singing the Mickey Mouse club song.

The parade viewing areas were filling up quickly and many times people came to sit in our area and Teri had to explain that this was for wheelchairs. Most people just moved on but a few times they got really mad and yelled at Teri. She never once yelled back, she was always gracious.

Throughout the day we met lots of other employees, but none that remained in our mind like Teri. They seemed jaded and tired. We liked Teri so much we decided to watch the parade again, that evening! She remembered us and even that it was my sisters' 25th birthday. She got the crowd to sing happy birthday to my sister. It was really special.

Teri's personality was so up and positive, I thought she must be a new employee. She said no, she'd been here 18 years. She told me that she was helping out tonight and that normally she was the telephone operator.

So, next time you call Disneyland and Teri answers, give her a great big HELLO from Diane & Shirley