I can clearly recall my first roller coaster ride as a kid… the “Beast” at Kings Island in Cincinnati. One of the oldest and largest wooden coasters in the country, you can feel every twist, turn and dive on the Beast. As the oldest in my family, my mom loaded me into a car with a stranger and she hopped into the seat behind us with my younger sister. It didn’t take long for me to lock a death grip onto my unsuspecting co-passenger and by the end of the ride, I could see my fingernails etched in his forearm. Despite my outward terror, I loved the rush, the adrenalin, the extreme feeling of the unknown. It went without saying that after I finished that first ride, I grabbed my sister and mom and we headed straight back into the three-hour line to do it all over again.
Lately, I haven’t needed a roller coaster to feel the highs and lows like a punch to the gut. This is my life, my creation, yet – I can’t help but ask myself often these days, “How did I get here?” Undoubtedly, it is not one mere twist or turn, but the conglomeration of demanding clients, impossible deadlines, a daughter’s broken arm, a brother’s illness, a growing business and aging parents. I am living the Beast.
My days are filled with transitions from situation to situation – which I attempt to handle with grace and patience, lucky to have the support of an amazing husband and relying on communication, teamwork, exercise and faith to make it through. I may not be as eager, but I’m still getting back in line.
