Top Thrill Dragster
As parents we know that in life we have to set the example for our children through not only our words but also our actions. Our children are watching us constantly and we are humans! We screw up all of the time. As parents we have many lessons to teach our children and treasured wisdom to impart upon their young minds so that they may grow stronger, wiser and into a well rounded adult one day.
One of the things I have been diligently trying to teach my children is to try new things, as long as you know they are safe and we approve of them. Like try new sports, clubs, make new friends, things you think you may not like just to open their minds more.
My husband and I just took a weekend trip, just he and I, to Cedar Point Amusement park. We have wanted to go for years. It is one of the best roller coaster parks in America. So we finally did it. My son doesn’t care for coasters, will not get on one but he has read everything about them. He loves reading and learning about coasters. Before we left he told me all about the coaster you see in the picture above. It’s called Top Thrill Dragster, it takes off from 0 – 120 mph in 6 seconds on a straight track then climbs this arch to 410 feet and then drops you down a corkscrew and you descend rather quickly. The entire ride only lasts 17 seconds. I told him I would do it before I left home.
Upon arriving at the park I seriously questioned that decision. I put it off the first night but on the second day I faced it. Waiting in line for over an hour did not help to ease my nerves. In fact before getting into the cart my legs were shaking, my stomach ached, I was breathing rapidly and praying constantly. My heart is in good condition and physically I am completely able to ride any ride, I was just beyond scared. The thought of going 120mph in 6 seconds did not sound like fun anymore. I strapped myself in and looked at the people still in line; they saw the fear in my eyes and smiled comfortingly at me. I started praying more intensely and then it happened we took off and it was frightening, my head pinned to the headrest, my cheeks pulled back by the sheer force of the speed and my hands wrapped in complete fear around the bar. I counted and prayed for it to be over but I kept my eyes open.
At the end my husband asked if I was ok. I said “Yes, it’s over I did it let’s get off. I never want to ride this again!” But I did it I faced my fear and pushed myself to heights and speeds I had never experienced before. I did it because I am a mom and I wanted my children to know you can face anything head on. Try new things you may love them or hate them, but you just have to try them.
As adults we should also be open to trying new things not just for our children but to open our own minds as well. You don’t have to go 120mph to try new things you can start with something a little less intense, just try something new today!
