Freedom

It was my first time.  Growing up I secretly fantasized about this day.  I guess I always knew I would someday feel this rush, however, what used to be a deep desire was suddenly a dream turned real.  It was my first time at a major theme park.

I arrived at Paramount's Carowinds around eleven in the morning… give or take thirty minutes.  With my best friend Shannon by my side, I anticipated the zeal of sheer freedom.  At age thirteen, the thought of an adult free day was all the elation needed to make this a memorable day.  Pouring out of the church van, one would have assumed our youth group was part of the triathlon.  Everyone sprinted to the ticket booth, each person hoping to arrive inside the Carowinds' walls seconds before everyone else. 

The lady in the ticket booth smiled as if to share in my joy as my crossed the threshold.  I was greeted by the sound of a roller coaster roaring down the tracks as it zoomed past me.  The passengers and their care-free screams set my mind free.  Suddenly everything in my life was placed on hold and left in the parking lot.  Everyone in our group split into sub-groups, each choosing their own destiny for the day.  Shannon and I chose to take in the sites and smells before committing to our first stop. 

The smell of nachos and cheese, chili dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cake seeped from the vendors as we coasted through the park.  I was unable to wipe the smile from my face as I watched the park goers laugh, scream, and simply enjoy life.  This was truly worth the wait I thought. 

We decided to stop at the lazy river.  The cool water would be a relaxing escape from the sun beating down from above.  Shannon and I each grabbed our own tube to stay afloat with.  The water was crystal clear and the lining of the river was blue like pools I had swam in on childhood vacations.  Piling into the water, we were practically playing bumper cars with the other patrons.  No one minded the slightly crowded park though, as we were all there for one purpose… to let go and have fun.  I splashed and got splashed. 

After floating for a few minutes, I had managed to land myself practically alone.  Everyone that had boarded the river with me had drifted apart.  Shannon was rounding the corner way ahead and I was unable to see the drifters that had lagged behind.  On both sides of the river were green plants, trees, and colorful flowers.  The landscape was that of a jungle appeal.  Now I was able to see why they called it the lazy river.  The calming sound of birds chirping and bees buzzing filled my ears as the breeze brushed my wet skin.  Chills ran from head to toe. 

The screams of those on the roller coasters and major rides had grown faint in the distance.  I sat and wondered for a moment how far from reality had I coasted.  I was lost in mind and body.  My thoughts were scattered as I sat and imagined how life couldn't get much better. 

I was carelessly accompanied by the neighborhood butterfly.  As I lay there motionless, this celestial creature drifted down from the blue above and came to rest on my knee.  With efforts not to scare her, I continue to lie still and take in my surroundings without a single movement.  She fanned the air peacefully with her wings, all the while representing the freedom I so much desired. 

Just before drifting into a REM sleep, I was startled by a sudden stop as my float collided with Shannon's.  The flow of the river slowed down dramatically as the greenery abutting the sides of the river, was replaced by theme park activity.  Back in sight, children were running and playing with their friends and siblings as we floated by on our secret mission to no-where.  Off in the distance I saw an over-sized picture of Scooby Doo atop the entrance to another realm of fun.  I realized that this park was more than a vacation away from every-day life, but it was like a world of its own.

After floating around the entire park, Shannon and I decided to escape our relaxed existence and broaden the horizons to include junk food, fast thrills, and stuffed animal prizes.  We partook in all of these and more.  We bled the day dry of all the fun to be had before closing the door on such a life-changing day.  I sat quietly and alone on the trip back home that evening.  I contemplated the fun I had and the new dreams that sprang from my empowered freedom.