Mermaid makes for magical day
TO play with a real-life mermaid and touch her tail had been little Zoey Inch’s dream since she was a toddler. Yesterday, the seven-year-old was able to experience what many little girls can only imagine.
Zoey, who suffers from a lifethreatening illness, was told she would be meeting a Reach for a Dream representative at The Willows resort, but was stunned when she bumped into “Muriel, the mermaid” sitting on the rocks, enjoying the sun.
Everyone there had been told to be quiet as granny Portia Welsh, 53, of Sidwell, pointed out the purplehaired mermaid to Zoey.
The disbelieving Piet Retief Primary pupil, who was accompanied by her best friend, Bridgette Erasmus, 7, smiled broadly as she gestured excitedly at the mermaid.
Zoey also wanted to prove that mermaids are real by giving Muriel a chocolate bar.
Welsh said she suspected Zoey’s fascination with mermaids was influenced by her love for the outdoors and watching a lot of Disney cartoons.
“She has always enjoyed the outdoors as she has been camping with us since she was eight months old – she loves swimming and playing in the water,” Welsh said.
“Zoey also believes the mermaids she sees on TV are real.”
She said Zoey had been excited about yesterday, even though she was oblivious to their plan.
“I was actually very scared because she is petrified of mascots or anyone in a costume, and when she said she wanted to see a mermaid, I [silently] prayed ‘please, Zoey, don’t lift roofs’ because she screams when she sees them in the shops,” Welsh said.
Zoey was born with a condition – diagnosed when she was two years old – in which the ventricles of her heart are switched around.
Welsh said doctors had at first thought it was asthma as her symptoms were very similar.
“It’s been a hard journey for the family, but taking care of her has been a wonderful experience,” she said.
After a 10-minute conversation with Muriel, during which they discussed everything from Zoey’s favourite sports to her excitement at going into Grade 2 next year, Zoey received an Ariel, the Little Mermaid, doll.
“I liked her [Muriel] – she said she liked my hair,” Zoey said shyly.
“It’s fun to see a mermaid because [she] is nice and beautiful.
“I wanted to see her after watching The Little Mermaid on TV.
“My other dream is to see the oceanarium.”