Cool, Lake Erie breezes, high soft clouds in a light blue sky, warming sun and an exquisitely perfect day for Cedar Point. The park has grown into a tree lined, rollercoaster paradise for both mother and sons.
As the sons fast pass their ways to shorter lines and fierce dedication to extreme fun, I stroll among the park gardens. The colorful smiles of the not so overwhelming numbers of passersby buoy my spirit infusing it with the kind of joy that comes from sharing the beauty of fun…The Valravn, The Millennium and Magnum Force, Steel Vengeance, the Rougarou, the Dragster and my beloved Corkscrew and Blue Streak of yesteryear. In the heat of the day, I share a frozen vodka lemonade with my son in the shade of the saloon while we wait for the stories from our own epic thrill seekers.
When I can hold my companions off no longer, I join them on the Millennium Force. “Just hold your head up and it won’t bother your neck” one thoughtful son tells me. As I slam my eyes shut, I brace myself with both feet and hands. Tightly grasping the yellow bar in front of me, the ride begins. Upward we soar 310 FT. in the air before we plummet @93mph. I think of Philip speed skiing at the 1992 Olympic trials at the same or faster speed. The thought helps me negotiate the somersaults my stomach is taking though I am surprised I am not as intolerant of them as I anticipated I would be. All in all I am pleased with the state of my being as we de-coaster. I could do that again, I think…but there is no longer anything to say I should.
Gloriously fine weather and company, fun has been had by all as it shines from our faces. On our second day, we are slowed only by our weary feet. They are seemingly unaware of our indomitable spirits ready for the next big thing… which we all agree should be a nap.
Anne
July, 2021
Tripping with God: Stories of Faith and Inspiration 