We made it to Orlando and back, my family and I. After five long days at Universal Studios that I hope will live in my children's memories for years to come, the O’Driscolls are back in Blackshear.
Vacations are a lot of fun, but also a lot of work— for the adults at least, though my kids were also weary and footsore by the time it was all over. Yet in the midst of all the rides, sun, swimming, walking, and everything else there is also some time for a few life lessons, which I hope live in my kids’ memories even longer than the rides and flashing lights and rich foods.
It was just after one of the wilder water rides when my oldest, Gwen, asked me if it was okay to be afraid before going on the rides. Good father that I am, I told her, yes, it was perfectly understandable to be afraid. I also told her what really mattered is how, every single time, she overcomes her fear. That timeworn bit about bravery not being the absence of fear but the conquering of it. As we walked down the ramp that led back to the main concourse, a little wrinkle on that time honored adage occurred to me. “Don’t you feel good right now? All that worry and nervousness before, that was all in your mind. Once you do what you’re afraid of and come through safely, it gets replaced by total relief. Remember that feeling — I made it, I’m alive! Hang onto that.”
Roller coasters and life lessons must have been in the air. A few days after we got back from Orlando an envelope from my father arrived in the mail. Summer is a busy time for my little family even when we aren’t conquering our fears at a theme park. No less than four birthdays happen within about a month of each other, two only days apart. My father had decided to save on postage a long time ago and just mails one packet full of cards when the appointed month arrives.
Inside were cards for each of the birthday bunch and each one came inscribed with its own little note. My younger daughter’s card featured a roller coaster, which we all thought appropriate in light of our recent trip. What resonated with me even more was the note within. It read: “Life can be like a roller coaster, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. Going uphill can be a challenge. Going downhill it goes very quickly, like life.
“The loops and turns are sometimes scary, so hold on tight! But they can be fun too!
“I like the Ferris Wheel better. It’s more my speed. Slow and steady, one can take time to enjoy the ride, see everything at a comfortable pace. No need to rush!
“Enjoy your life. You're only a kid once.”
I love my dad a lot, but in that moment, as Maggie read his simple but profound words to the rest of us, I loved him even more.
Yes, indeed, roller coasters and life lessons were in the air, and Ferris Wheels too, it seems. My youngest Liam, had brought the big wheels up before we had even gotten back from our trip. On the way from one theme park to the next he had piped up, “Remember, Dad? That time you took me and Maggie up in the Ferris Wheel? And all the town and the buildings looked so tiny!”
I smiled then, just as I do now when recalling the moment. Three kids and three reflections on life through the lens of amusement park rides are probably the best souvenirs from vacation (and life) a man could ask for.
