~* Ash *~
When I was 8, I rode the Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens. Although it was my first roller coaster, I can't really recall much about that particular ride. However, I do remember that the news that summer seemed to be full of reports on mechanical failures, injuries, and even a few deaths at amusement parks.
I did not ride another coaster for four years.
The Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens in VA
Succumbing to peer pressure and the blind invincibility of adolescence, I decided to try out a brand new rollercoaster that was touted to be one of the scariest of its time: The Outer Limits Flight of Fear at Kings Dominion. The ride went from 0-60 mph in five seconds flat... plunging you into total darkness.
During the two-hour wait to get on the ride, I was excited. Of course, I'd get a bit nervous as I watched the videos describing the ride's features and the warnings to pregnant women and those with breathing conditions. (I did take my asthma inhaler that morning, right?)
Nonetheless, as I was strapped into that ride, I was happy to the point of giddiness. I was on it, and I was ready!
Then they made us wait, and wait, and wait. The longer I sat there, the more anxious I felt. At first I just wanted the ride to hurry up and go, but then I felt the overwhelming urge to just get off while I could. I'd known that many others had survived this before, but they weren't me. What if something horrible happened?
All of the mental preparation and logic vanished as I was catapulted into a world of mystery, steel, and speed. While I was going through the twists, turns, and loops, I'd see flashes of light every now and then. Some helped to illuminate the track, while others were further disorienting.
It seemed like sound was magnified. All around me, I heard a combination of screams and laughter.... I think I did a little bit of both.
When everyone got off the ride and blinked as they re-entered light, some people were pumped to ride again and ran straight back to the end of the line. They loved the energy and the excitement.
Others were in tears, crying that they'd never get on another ride again that day... or perhaps the rest of their lives. Still others were in shock, processing what they'd just experienced.
As for me, I rode 5 more rollercoasters that day. Call me a convert (or a masochist), but there was something about the thrill of the unknown that was exhilarating.
Yep, this about sums up the range of emotions.
This is how I feel now: engagement and the first year(s) of marriage are like being strapped into the Outer Limits and taking off into darkness.
We trust God (i.e. the ultimate engineer/designer). We've listened to our parents and counselors. We've even read the "warnings" to prepare ourselves. On top of that, we can rattle off examples of people -- including both of our parents -- who have not only survived, but also enjoyed marriage.
At the same time, we don't know the twists and turns that we'll face in our life together. Will Lu and I experience a thriller coaster or something more like those river rapid rides: mostly calm with a few bumps and the threat of getting drenched if you don't steer correctly?
All in all, I think I know what I've signed up for; however, honestly, I really have no idea what we'll experience.
I feel like I'm back on the Outer Limits, but this time I have a steering wheel, a gas pedal, and a brake. While Lu and I do have some control, only God knows what the track of our life together looks like.
Regardless of the ups, downs, and even some loops that Lu and I will face, I know we're prepared for one heck of a ride.
As long as God is the conductor of your train, no matter what path, you and Lu are destined to be better than ok.
The great thing about rollercoasters is that everyone on the ride goes through the same twist, turns, and loops. Hold my hand, squeeze it when you get really scared, and I'll do the same. I guarantee we'll make it to the end.
Love the post Ash and the Outer Limits left me with a headache and broken glasses....lol! Good times!!
Oneida, I totally agree.
J, I know we'll make it to the end. I love you, babe!
CeCe, I think I was on the ride with you when your glasses broke! lol :-(