Roller Coasters and Carousels

I used to love roller coasters and other thrill rides at theme parks. I rode almost all of them. I stayed away from the ones that left you upside down long enough to feel gravity. The rest were fair game. Years ago, before I met John, I had a season's pass to a nearby theme park. It was fun to go for a few hours in the middle of the week when the lines weren't long. We now live within a reasonable driving distance to that same theme park and were able to get season's passes for the family. A few weeks ago, we went and I rode some of the milder spinning rides and decided that they were probably all the excitement that I needed. But somehow or another, I found myself on one of the monster roller coasters. I felt my bottom leave the seat and my shoulders press on the safety bar and it was more than I could take. I swore never to ride that one again.


Yesterday, I took the kids and a friend of Gabriel's. I was content to ride the spinning rides and wait in the shade while the kids rode the monster roller coasters. There was one that was tempting however. It was a wooden one that didn't go loopty-loop or have you parallel to the ground. I had ridden it before and thought it tame - 23 years ago. So I went again. You would think that I have reached an age where I wouldn't make foolish decisions. Think again. The ride wasn't scary but it rattled every bone, ever muscle, every neuron in my brain until I thought I would go crazy. Holly sat next to me and did not like it any more than I did. We panicked at the end when everyone was getting off and we couldn't figure out how to undo the safety bar. The thought of going around another time was terrifying. Thankfully, another park guest who was waiting on our seat, explained the not so difficult procedure and we were out, vowing never to return. Gabriel and his friend went for another ride and we three girls headed toward the carousel.


The need for such thrills has completely vanished from my life. Maybe I am officially old. Whatever the case, I bid roller coasters and anything much faster than a carousel adieu.