The Last Time I Saw Annette
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The last time I saw Annette Funicello in person was also the first time I saw Annette Funicello in person. Although she made many appearances at Disney fan events, and in Disneyland over the years, I had never managed to attend. And by the late 1990s it seemed unlikely this would ever happen, as Annette�s well-publicized battle with MS had taken a heavy toll.
I was surprised, then, on a late August afternoon in Disneyland when a cast member confided in me that Annette was going to receive the first edition of a new lithograph at the Disney Gallery in New Orleans Square. The event, scheduled for August 29, 1998 was not being publicized, as it was up to Annette to decide if she would be well enough to attend.
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The next day was the 29th, and I arrived at the Gallery with a fresh roll of film in my camera, and joined a smallish group of lithograph collectors and Annette fans. Based on the bustling air among the cast members in the Gallery, I quickly realized that there was, indeed, a very special guest waiting behind the scenes. As we speculated among ourselves whether Annette would actually make an appearance, a side door popped open and there she was.
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Annette was seated in a wheelchair, with her husband Glen carefully pushing her through the door and somewhat quickly across the front of the patio and into a private room in the Gallery. Those of us who were quick on the draw managed a single photo. And that, we thought, would be that.
But it was to be one of those magical days at Disneyland. A few minutes later, an easel covered with a drape was placed at the front of the crowd, and a small group began to gather. Among them was the Disneyland Ambassador, Dorothy Stratton and artist Charles Boyer. After a moment�s pause, Annette herself made her entrance, smiling broadly at the crowd from her wheelchair. A few words were spoken, as Annette gazed intently at the covered image. It was difficult to get a photo as people craned their necks and jostled to get a view.
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But at the moment of the unveiling, Annette�s pleasure was clearly to be seen on her face.
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�Sweethearts Forever� was the name of the lithograph. In it, artist Boyer captured a youthful Annette dancing with old pal Mickey Mouse. And sprinkling the ageless pair with pixie dust was Tinker Bell. Applause from the crowd did not break Annette�s delighted gaze.
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But Annette was willing to tear herself away from the charming image long enough to pose for an �official� photo. She smiled broadly as everyone pressed in to get a shot. Although Annette looked so frail that day, later, after the photos were developed, I was surprised to note that this was not evident. The camera always loved Annette Funicello!
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Too soon it was time to say goodbye. Even as she was being wheeled away, Annette couldn�t help but pause for another look.
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This lithograph, I have been told, occupied a prominent place in Annette�s home. I am sure it carried so many happy memories for her�not only of her �forever sweetheart,� but also of a single, special day at the happiest place on earth.
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-- Posted April 8, 2013