Abby has now joined the ranks of the bold and the daring. Yesterday, without any prompting, she asked to go on the Dragon Rollercoaster at Pixie Playland. Prior to this event, Abby had 1 other confrontation with the Dragon - that was during a trip to PP w/ Grandaddy & Mom. She took one look at that thing and make a quick decision to move on to the teacups (I think Grandaddy let out a sigh of relief at that moment since I was going to make HIM go on it with her!).

Not only did our precious child go on it once, but she asked to go on it twice! She had 3 tickets left - so that meant 3 rides by herself, or, 1 ride by herself and 1 more ride on the rollercoaster with Dad (Dad needed a ticket too!). She chose to ride the dragon again! Now mind you, this is not like riding the Matterhorn or anything - it's a rather tame coaster. However, Dad - who has ridden with the best of 'em, came off the ride a little shaken. Of course, he's also no longer 14 years old.

I, Mom, had the privilege of watching my only child and my dear husband board the monster - Mike looking a little like he was reliving something of his youth and Abby not really looking like she knew what she was getting herself into. Now, I had to trust that the good folk at Pixie Playland knew what the heck they were doing when they posted the signs about how tall you have to be to ride....and, our little munchkin passed with a few inches in her pocket. I watched them pull down the safety bar, which looked more like a decorative accessory then something that would keep my child from flying out of her seat.....I felt like tapping the 17 year old kid running the show there and asking him if those bars were in the right position, etc. But, I took comfort in knowing that Abby was nestled securely in her Daddy's arms.

Off went the dragon....3 times around the track it went. I watched Abby experience for the first time the thrill of a roller coaster. Man, I wish I had a camera or video to show you....I can only convey in words. The expressions were priceless.... Not having the life experience that we do, Abby was probably not playing in her mind the dangerous malfunctions that could occur. She was completely oblivious to fear at that moment - just feeling the joy of the ride . That precious smile of hers conveyed to me that she felt completely secure. If you ask me, I attribute it to the feeling of Dad's arms around her.

As I like to do, I must draw a spiritual parallel - the picture that I saw while watching two of my favorite people being whisked around a pair of metal tracks was this. As I'm experiencing my life - the roller coaster that it is - that during each twist and turn the strong arms of my Heavenly Father are wrapped tight around me. To provide safety in times of fear, to provide comfort in times of need, to provide love and truth in times of doubt. I pictured myself on the dragon for a brief moment and could almost hear my Saviour next to me whispering, "no need to fear, my child....I am here".

Enjoying the ride,
momma k