Each year we spend a few days on Lake Erie at Cedar Point before the start of the school year; however, this year looked very different. Covid, of course, had a major impact. And for the first time since we started this tradition, my sister and her family joined us. But probably the biggest change maker was the weather. We spent our vacation enduring terribly cold, wet and windy weather, literally dampening our days at the beach, pool and park.
But I’ll tell ya what, I’m a total sucker for an amusement park, and not even crap weather can spoil what I love about this place. There’s a magic that happens inside its gates, and I’m so here for it. I’m here for the applause of strangers that erupts upon completion of a stupid scary coaster. I’m here for little feet on tiptoes, full of hope that they just might be tall enough to ride this year. I’m here for the masses of teenagers and all their teenagerness. I’m here for the overpriced Dippin’ Dots. I’m here for the live entertainers performing hits from the 50s while a precious older couple takes in the gift of nostalgia. I’m here for the rush of thunder that earthquakes through my body as a coaster blazes past me. I’m here for the ridiculous giggles and chatter that pour out of the exit of every incredible thrill ride. I’m here for the embarrassing ride photos. I’m here for the constant white noise of roaring steel and delighted screams. (And Tylenol, Ibuprofen & Dramamine are totally here for me, thankyouverymuch.)
For the record, I am not here for the constant whining: “I’m cold,” “My feet are tired,” and “How much longer is the line.” I’m also not here for a $32.99 Diet Coke - there is not a souvenir cup in all the world that’s worth that price. And in some cases, I’m not here for teenagers and all their teenagerness (GET. A. ROOM. Actually, don’t do that. Just stop it with all the tongue stuff already.) I’m definitely not here for a thief named anxiety - that wicked voice that entices my darling 8yo to want to ride but just won’t let her do it (but I’m most certainly here for the 4yo little brother who grabs big sister’s hand and says confidently, “It’s okay. I’ll be brave with you.”)
Look, it’s been a bummer of a trip in many ways. But grace bats last. No - she doesn’t show up to sugarcoat everything that totally sucked. She’s not an eraser of what was disappointing, discouraging and all around dumb. But so often she shows up all the more sweetly because, well, life can really suck sometimes. Her subtle softness is often just enough to make you smile when you really really need to smile, even if it is under a face mask. And while I would have preferred our getaway to be warm and dry and more friendly toward whatever situation is happening on top of my head … Grace abounds. Amusement parks amuse, and grandparents spoil, and my baby niece is show-stopping cute and spending any time with her - rain or shine - is the absolute best of all bests. So it rained and it was cold and the wind/humidity/wind wrecked absolute havoc on my hair. And also, there is gratitude and goodness and the joy of wearing a tie-dye dress and going on a flower walk (check out my IG post on @theflowerfarmexperiement). It’s all grace, all the time - grace upon grace upon grace.
