64-year-old Mercy Maranges is retiring after 42 years of teaching. It’s safe to say she’s touched so many lives.
She was with her daughter at Disney World posing in front of Cinderella’s Castle when an unforgettable surprise occurred. That’s what happens when you spend over 30 years at the same school in Miami, Florida.
Mercy has always loved Disney.
Her students, together with their parents, contacted Mercy’s daughter asking if they could arrange a big surprise for her mom at the park. The daughter’s name is Mercy too, by the way.
Mercy loves Disney so much that she even dresses up like the princesses.
In fact, as a child, she would always watch those old Disney shows, so when Walt Disney put up the park, she made her father promise that he would take her, and he did.
Mercy first went to the park in October of 1971.
When she announced her retirement, her daughter began planning a trip to Orlando to visit the theme park. What better way for her mom to enjoy her retirement than to soak in Disney?
Mercy’s daughter secretly invited her mom’s students, both past and present, so they could surprise her.
So when Mercy posed for a photo, all 75 of them snuck up behind her to join in the shot.
You can see Mercy wondering what was going on until she turned around and recognized all those faces.
They all traveled just to be with her, and it’s safe to say that Mercy shed a few tears during the surprise.
Mercy Betancourt, 38, texted the other moms, who all arrived and snuck into the photo with their children. They were all wearing the same customized Mickey shirt to celebrate with Mercy.
“My emotions definitely took over. I knew that she would be overwhelmed and so surprised. I was crying tears of joy as I witnessed so many people be there for her.” Betancourt shared with Happily.
“There’s been an overwhelming reaction with beautiful heartwarming comments. From former students to people that don’t even know her all have reacted beautifully. I hope others see how impactful a teacher can be to a child.” she continued.
That’s got to be the sweetest, biggest group hug in a Disney park!
Mercy says she’s on “Cloud 9” getting to be with her students and Disney, which are her two loves.
Even a viewer loved the moment saying,
“Awww I have happy tears for this Lady. This is such a beautiful moment. What a great way to retire. And, she obviously has an amazing daughter who came up with such a terrific idea!”
She deserves this beautiful moment!
Mercy dedicated 42 years of her life teaching and molding young minds so they’re ready to take on the world. And that is no easy feat. Teaching is not an easy job.
For Mercy to have touched so many lives, that just shows how exceptional she is.
Watch the video below for Mercy’s sweet Disney moment!
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