Them Rides

Who doesn’t like having things to look forward to? As a child, birthdays and Christmases were at the top of my list. If you’re thinking it’s because of the presents, you would be correct. Next, was going to the fair. While there no gifts, there was plenty of adventure to be had.
When the TVA&I fair came to town, we would all pile into Papaw’s station wagon and ride there together. Cotton candy and a candied apple were the first things I would get. Of course, they made my hands and face sticky. So, my mom would dig out a tissue from her purse and give me one of her infamous spit baths. I also loved playing the carnival games. Each time I played, I imagined myself winning a teddy bear that was bigger than I was. Unfortunately, I never won. Ever. One year my daddy won a pink teddy bear for me. Even though one of its eyes was broken in half, I proudly carried it around the fairgrounds. Last, but not least, were the amusement rides. I rode every ride in the kiddie section. The merry-go-round I rode a couple of times. Sometimes my parents and even Papaw would ride the bigger ones. Mamaw Jo never did. She would always say: “Them rides make me sick.” Yep, Mamaw had motion sickness. I felt bad for her because she was missing out on so much fun. Or did she?
I was so excited when my parents said I was old enough to go on the bigger rides. Like the merry-go-round, my favorite one traveled forward in a circle at a very fast rate of speed. After a few rounds, it would stop and then proceed to travel backwards just as fast. Since we were belted in, we would raise our arms in the air and shout during the ride. As for the other rides, I avoided the ones that were tall like the Ferris wheel and roller coaster.
When I was a teenager, I went with a friend from church to the fair. She wanted to ride The Spider. In case you aren’t familiar with it, it has long arms that extend out from a center bulge. At the end of each arm is a basket/car that spins around as it’s repeatedly lifted up high and then back down. Actually, it made me think more of an octopus than any spider. Anyway, I was unsure about getting on it. It had never appealed to me because the basket part was lifted higher than I was comfortable with and it spun around too much. But did I listen to my feelings? Nope. I let her talk me into it. “It’s not that bad. I’ve ridden it lots of times.”
With sweaty palms, I climbed into the basket with her. We were lifted high in the air where we began to spin. Immediately, I began to feel disoriented, dizzy, and nauseous. While my friend was squealing with fun, I was trying not to throw up. I wanted to get off, but the only way to do that would be to scream and cry. That was just not an option for me, so I fought feeling sick as we repeatedly soared up, spun around and went back down. After we finally got off, my friend looked at me and asked, “Are you okay?” I have no doubt that my face was a little green. Feeling embarrassed, I didn’t tell her how close she was to having my lunch splattered on her shoes. So, I lied, “I’m fine.” I thought back to what Mamaw Jo used to say about “them rides.” Let me tell you, there is no fun in feeling sick, especially motion sickness.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs: 4:7 (KJV)
They say wisdom comes with age. With me, it came from almost getting sick. I didn’t use wisdom or understanding when I let my friend talk me into getting on The Spider and I paid the price. So, follow The Lord’s words and get understanding with all your might.
You know, I don’t remember the last time I rode an amusement ride. It was probably at Dollywood, but I can guarantee you one thing, I wasn’t talked into it and it wasn’t high off of the ground. It may have even been the merry-go-round.

Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.

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Submitted by Kay L. Clapp on Sat, 02/24/2024 - 15:14

I have had problems with motion sickness all my life! Can't ride backwards or spin. Heck, can't even go riding in a car if it's very far or curvy roads. Have to have my motion sickness pills. Certain rides were fun when I was young but those days are over.
I always enjoy your articles, Brooke!