In a few short weeks, we leave for the Land of Oz. I’ve always wanted to travel to this mysterious place since reading the series of Oz books as a child. Most people remember The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but this wasn’t L. Frank Baum’s only book. In fact, he penned a total of 14 books from 1900 until his death in 1919, all about the land of Oz. Wouldn’t it be incredible to walk in Dorothy’s steps and follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City? Now I have the opportunity to visit this imaginary kingdom while visiting a replica set atop Beech Mountain in North Carolina.
For a few days every June and September, the Land of Oz opens for visitors to revisit the magical world of their childhood. This theme park originally launched in 1970 with great fanfare. Actress Debbie Reynolds was a part owner in the venture. She brought her then unknown teenage daughter, Carrie Fisher, to the ribbon cutting ceremony. The first year of business, over 400,000 visitors came to park.
But it’s early success plummeted in 1975 after a fire set by arsons consumed the Emerald City and nearby buildings. That same year vandals broke into the museum stealing original costumes from the movie set including Judy Garland’s gingham dress. The Land of Oz never recovered from these losses, closing it’s doors in 1980. Thankfully, a group of people in the area chose to restore it. Now it’s open for tours a few days in June and for Autumn in Oz. All proceed go back into the park for continuing renovation.
Even though this is only a replica of Oz, I’m still excited to experience it. The story of Dorothy Gale’s adventures are imbedded in the hearts and minds of generations. In some way, we all connect with her struggle. Don’t we each follow the yellow brick road to a place unknown sometime in our lives? One day we wake up to realize we’re not in Kansas anymore and there’s no going back. We worry that we don’t possess enough courage, wisdom or compassion to complete our journey. Then all hope seems lost when flying monkeys attack out of nowhere. How are we ever going to get back home?
Only after returning to the Wizard, did Dorothy and her friends realize they possessed what they desired all along. In the midst of their journey, they couldn’t see it, but the very qualities they lacked, developed through their trials. We are no different. Through the crucible of suffering and pain, we become people of strength and integrity. If life was always easy, then would there be any reason for courage, wisdom or compassion? When we follow our own yellow brick road with perseverance, no matter where it leads, all pretense falls away. Only then, our suffering reveals the true beauty hidden within.
People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
