Tales of the Tail: I'll Always Remember You

As a professional mermaid, there are certain moments when I realize how magical my job really is. Every event that I work has its own special story, and through my “Tales of the Tail” posts, I will share some of my best experiences of my work. So prepare for adorable reactions, funny comments, and near catastrophes in this series on my blog!

The first story I would like to tell happened at a birthday party in August held at the Hillwood Country Club here in Nashville, TN. Sophia* turned 4 years old, and her mom rented out a space in the club to hold a [beautifully decorated] mermaid birthday party! Here’s what happened that day:

I had never had a party at the Hillwood before, and I tend to be a little bit of a nervous nelly when it comes to my parties, especially if I don’t know the place well. My rule is to arrive at the location an hour early with my assistant so I can get set up and in my tail with plenty of time to spare, in case anything goes wrong! The staff at the club were incredibly helpful and kind in helping me figure out where to set up, where to change, and how to get to and from the pool and the party space (seeing as I was restricted to a wheelchair while in my tail). About five minutes before the party was to start, I rolled into place, and perched on my inflatable clam shell to await the guests.

My favorite part of any party is usually the kids’ reaction when they first see me. Most of the guests at this party were young girls, about four or five years in age. All of them were dressed as little mermaids, in two-piece bathing suits that were also their party favors (kudos to this mom for going all out!). The girls were all ecstatic to meet me, but there was one little boy who joined the party. When he saw me, his eyes lit up, and he yelled to his mom, “How did they get a mermaid all the way from the ocean?!”

After I was finished taking pictures with all the kids, it was time for me to swim with them! I got in the baby pool with them, and taught them how to make big splashes and blow mermaid bubbles. Kids always ask me so many questions, and I love giving them silly answers.

“How did you get here?” One always asks me.

“I came all the way from the ocean,” I would always reply. “It takes a little mermaid magic and a lot of help from my human friends!”

“What do mermaids eat?”

“My all-time favorite food is seaweed! Have you ever eaten seaweed before?”

This question is usually answered with an “ew” or a “yuck,” but at this particular party, a little girl promised me that she would try some because I loved it so much.

My favorite question I was asked at Sophia’s birthday party was by a little girl named Claire. She had been swimming with me for most of the party, hesitant to leave my side even for a moment. She looked at me in the middle of our conversation and asked, “Are you going to remember me?”

“Of course, darling!” I replied.

She smiled the largest grin I had seen that day. “Good! Because I’m always going to remember you!”

Every child I meet is special, and usually a lot of them say peculiar, sweet, and funny things. Claire’s sweet question—and so many other wonderful interactions that I have—made me realize how lucky I am to have this job! I’m so glad that I can share the magic of these moments with you!

Best Wishes and Swimmy Fishes,

Mermaid Kira

*Names of all children have been changed to protect their privacy.

#musiccitymermaid #party